Patrick Williams' salary does not dictate Chicago Bulls rotation
Coach Tiago Splitter states that the 2020 draft pick's contract has no influence on his playing time behind a deep frontcourt.
By Samir Doyle ·
Patrick Williams is entering the 2026-27 season as the highest-paid player in the Chicago Bulls frontcourt. The 2020 No. 4 overall pick earns $18 million per year through the 2028-29 campaign. Despite that financial weight, the team's new coaching and front office regimes say his salary does not guarantee minutes on the court.
Williams missed the final week of the previous season due to a groin injury. He has since returned to practice, but his status as a regular starter or rotation piece remains undecided. Coach Tiago Splitter confirmed on Friday that Williams is currently behind several other players in the depth chart. Rookie Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis serve as the starting forwards. Isaac Okoro, Leonard Miller, and Noa Essengue occupy the backup forward roles.
The frontcourt depth is expected to increase further. Nic Claxton is recovering from a hamstring injury and is ramping up his activity. Once Claxton debuts, Jalen Smith will likely move to a backup five/four role. This addition further crowds the group of players vying for limited playing time.
Splitter addressed whether the front office required him to use Williams because of his contract value. The coach stated that he and executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham have not had that conversation. Splitter told Williams during camp that he is doing a good job and forcing the coaching staff to evaluate his play. However, Splitter noted that rotations require stability and that changes will be made throughout the season based on performance.
Isaac Okoro, who is in the final year of a deal paying him $11.8 million, said his contract year does not alter his approach. The seven-year veteran stated that he plays his game regardless of the calendar. Okoro acknowledged that he may be a trade asset in February, but he focuses on helping the team win each night.
Rookie Dailyn Swain sat out the game against Boston with soreness. Splitter described the issue as not serious and noted that Swain was not in the rotation mix this season. Claxton continued his recovery during morning shootaround sessions, with the team hoping to include him in practices during the current road trip.
