One of the NBA's most bloated contracts departed the Chicago Bulls ahead of the 2024 trade deadline. Following years of scrounging the NBA's trade market, the Bulls finally found a taker for Zach LaVine and the $141 million left to pay on the five-year pact he signed in 2022. Although LaVine is an All-Star talent, his albatross of a contract all but eliminated Chicago's trade leverage.
With LaVine out of the picture, attention was turned to Patrick Williams, and rightfully so. The Bulls signed the former fourth-overall pick to a five-year, $90 million deal in 2024. $18 million isn't egregious by any standards in today's NBA, yet Williams' production, or lack thereof, does not warrant anything close to nearly $20 million per annum. The Bulls signed the 23-year-old forward to the five-year contract, coming off averages of 10.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
Williams responded by appearing in 63 games, making 36 starts, and averaging 9.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. However, there's an argument to be made that Williams' isn't even the worst contract on the Bulls' payroll.
Lonzo Ball's injury woes are continue to be worrisome
A season ago, amid trade and buyout rumors, Chicago decided to extend veteran Lonzo Ball to a two-year, $20 million deal following a miraculous comeback after two lost seasons. Ball was averaging 7.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game at the time of signing the extension.
Nonetheless, he finished the season averaging 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. That's because Ball only appeared in five more games after signing the new contract. The 6-foot-6 guard sat out the final 22 regular-season games and Chicago's play-in game as he dealt with a right wrist sprain.
The 27-year-old only managed to appear in 35 games following his return to the hardwood. There's no denying Ball's return was nothing short of spectacular. Ball underwent a rare meniscus transplant to resume playing at the sport's highest level. Fortunately, his knee held up quite well in his first grand return.
Yet, a myriad of other injuries held Ball out of the lineup for extended periods. The former second-overall pick dealt with not one, but two wrist sprains that kept him out of the lineup for a total of 37 contests. All in all, he missed 48 games this past season.
Handing Ball an extension was the right thing to do. He was deserving and one of Chicago's most impactful players. The Bulls were 9.3 points per 100 possessions better with the playmaking guard on the floor. But at $10 million per season, even with a team option in year two, the amount is an overpay.
Expecting Ball to suit up for more than 35 games is a stretch. There's a chance the veteran alleviates his injury concerns, and the $20 million over two seasons is a bargain. Ultimately, time will tell, but if missing Chicago's final 23 games is a precursor to future injury woes, the Bulls will be out $10 million and potentially $20 million if his team option is picked up.