As a rule, rebuilding NBA teams are only supposed to trade veterans. They’re not supposed to trade young players, and they aren’t supposed to trade draft capital. If they’re beginning a rebuild, the same rules apply.
Will the Chicago Bulls follow those rules? It’s hard to say. Rumors suggest that they could look to move Patrick Williams. He’s a young player, but Williams’ career has gotten off to a rocky start in Chicago. They could justify trading him.
Could a rebuilding team justify trading for him? Sure, it’ll cost them some draft capital. At the same time, Williams is a recent lottery pick. A rebuilding team could justify taking a swing at him.
How about the Washington Wizards?
NBA Trade Proposal: Washington Wizards Land Chicago Bulls’ Patrick Beverley
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Danilo Gallinari, 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – WAS)
Washington Wizards Receive: F Patrick Williams
In some respects, the Bulls are now where the Wizards were recently. Theyre a mediocre team that’s full of veterans. Rumors are swirling around their potential rebuild.
Like the Wizards, the Bulls probably should have gotten a jump on their rebuild a little earlier. After all, it’s been heavily reported that there is a minimal trade market for Zach LaVine. That’s bad news for the Bulls.
LaVine is supposed to be their best player. If the Bulls can’t get a haul for him, how will they get their rebuild off to the right start?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards Updates
Does that remind you of anyone? The Wizards waited too long to trade Bradley Beal. The return that they received for him was underwhelming as a result. The Bulls won’t get as many assets as they’d like for LaVine.
Does that mean that they should trade Williams?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
That’s part of the logic here. The Bulls’ best trade chip isn’t that great. So, they may want to trade more players. They’re about to move into a rebuild, so they should be looking for as much draft capital as they can find.
Sure, Williams is young. Still, he doesn’t seem to be hitting his stride in Chicago. That’s another reason to move him. If Williams isn’t on track to make good on his potential, it doesn’t much matter where the Bulls selected him.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards Updates
So, why not move him? Following this deal, the Bulls will be aiming to get back into contention by 2028. If they can, and Washington can’t, this pick swap could be especially valuable. Should the Wizards take that risk?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
We didn’t come up with this idea. It’s being rumored that Washington is interested in Williams. That makes sense – Williams is young, and the Wizards are rebuilding.
Has he been disappointing? For the most part. Still, Williams has flashed potential at times. Moreover, young players can often benefit from a change of scenery. Williams may blossom once he joins the Wizards.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Patrick Williams, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards Updates
If he does, he’ll be worth a distant pick swap. It’s worth noting that 2028 is far away. If both of these teams are good, the Wizards may not be concerned with ceding a pick swap. This deal could benefit them – even if they’re breaking the rules by making it.
