Peter Cosgrove/AP
Pat Williams, former Bulls general manager and a co-founder of the Orlando Magic and someone who spent more than a half-century working within the NBA, died Wednesday from complications related to viral pneumonia, the Magic announced.
Williams was 84.
He started his NBA career as business manager of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1968 and then was hired at the age of 29 by the nascent Bulls franchise as general manager.
In 1969 as general manager, in rebuilding the roster, he acquired Chet Walker from the 76ers. He drafted Norm Van Lier, then immediately traded him to the Cincinnati Royals, but then reacquired him in 1971.