Nov 20, 2010; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder logo on a players shorts during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center. The Thunder defeated the Bucks 82-81. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
With Jalen, Jaylin, and Kenrich already in the mix, the Oklahoma City Thunder could be adding a fourth Williams this offseason.
Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the Thunder have “great interest” in Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams. Mayberry notes that OKC needs more size and are loaded with a war chest of draft picks to offer the Bulls in a potential sign-and-trade this offseason.
The 22-year-old Williams, who will be a restricted free agent this summer, was the No. 4 overall draft pick by Chicago in 2020. Though he has yet to truly scratch the ceiling of his talents, he has a very strong skillset as a 6-foot-7 true power forward with an impressive seven-foot wingspan. Also a 41.0 percent career three-point shooter, Williams averaged 10.0 points per game in a limited offensive role with the Bulls this season.
Because Williams is a restricted free agent, Chicago would have to willingly let him go. But rather than continuing to pour resources into Williams as he enters his fifth season in the league, a cash-out offer could be pretty enticing for the Bulls. As for the Thunder, they are indeed very undersized outside of starting center Chet Holmgren and had the 6-foot 5 Jalen Williams getting a lot of minutes as the de facto 4 this season. OKC is probably another piece or two away from true title contention, and getting Patrick Williams to replace this floundering player in the starting five would be a good start for them.
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