The Bulls are big fans of Patrick Williams—or of the idea of the player he could become, at least.

That was obvious four years ago when they made him the fourth overall pick of the 2020 draft. The message was communicated again this offseason when they signed him to a five-year, $90 million pact.

What happens, though, if Williams continues to show little to no discernible growth in his game? He arrived as a developmental project—or, if you wanted to be super optimistic, a potential Kawhi Leonard clone—and essentially hasn’t changed since. He is a capable three-and-D wing, only he doesn’t shoot threes with much volume and isn’t an impact defender.

If Williams can’t find ways to elevate, at what point does Chicago rethink its commitment to him? This season would be hasty, but if it’s obvious early that he’ll continue underwhelm with his aggressiveness and fail to consistently make his presence felt, don’t be surprised if his name starts popping up in trade talks.