Bulls forward Patrick Williams, center, is defended by Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, left, and forward Evan Mobley in the first half of a preseason game on Oct. 8, 2024, in Cleveland. (Sue ...

Even after signing a five-year, $90 million contract over the summer, Patrick Williams is no longer a guaranteed cornerstone of future development for the Chicago Bulls.

Patrick Williams has a lot to play for in Bulls' last 16 games “The sign of any really good player is a player that makes everyone else around them better,” coach Billy Donovan said.

The defense was shaky with Williams and shaky without him. And it’s not like the Bulls missed Williams’ scoring, especially since he was averaging under 10 points per game. Where his absence ...