Whereas rumors abound that Josh Giddey has a suggestion on the desk from the Chicago Bulls, the fact is that he stays a restricted free agent. Which means the breakout star for the Bulls’ 2024-25 season may nonetheless probably go away the franchise. The staff would not need that to occur. In addition they do not need to pay Giddey what he thinks he is price.
For a staff seemingly caught within the rebuilding section since Michael Jordan performed his final sport, this can be a huge deal. Recent off a commerce away from the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Giddey lastly appeared to seek out that subsequent degree followers had been ready for him to achieve. It was exhausting for the younger Australian to shine on a staff loaded with nice gamers in OKC. The Bulls haven’t got that drawback.
Regardless of an important 2024-25 efficiency, Giddey could also be setting himself and the Bulls up for failure in the long run. That relies upon, in fact, on how free company performs out for each events. In the long run, the greenback indicators in Giddey’s eyes may price him all the pieces, and the Bulls would possibly discover themselves working again to the drafting board but once more.
Josh Giddey needs his bag from the Bulls, or elsewhere
Born in Melbourne, Giddey performed his early days of basketball in Australia. He performed one season within the NBL staff with the Adelaide 36ers, the place he grew to become the youngest participant within the league’s historical past to report a triple-double. Giddey declared for the NBA draft in 2021 and was scooped up by OKC, the place he performed for 3 seasons earlier than being traded to the Bulls.
The younger guard performed effectively for the Thunder however wasn’t a standout. Protecting in thoughts he was on a staff with SGA, Lu Dort, and a laundry checklist of stars, getting enjoying time was no small feat. The transfer to Chicago was good for him. He had probably his greatest season within the league, seeing vital will increase in 3-point capturing, assists, rebounds, and steals.
Giddey is a restricted free agent this low season, that means he can speak to any staff a couple of contract however the Bulls retain the proper to match that contract and maintain him. Reportedly, he is searching for roughly $30 million per yr, probably for 3 years. The Bulls most up-to-date provide is hovering round $20 million per yr for 4 years. Giddey and his staff proceed to discover their choices.
Josh Giddey may screw over the Bulls
In actuality, Giddey is overplaying his hand. No disrespect to his time with OKC, however this season with the Bulls was the primary yr he was really related within the league. Giddey would possibly need the bag, however questions stay if he is really earned it, which can be a part of the rationale the Bulls are unwilling to pony up the money Giddey is searching for.
At this level, the Bulls are already over their wage cap. It is not an insane quantity in NBA phrases, however they’re nonetheless over. Giving Giddey an excessive amount of cash may hurt the staff’s potential to successfully construct a contender. Nonetheless, shedding Giddey, both in free company or to a sign-and-trade state of affairs, leaves the franchise with out somebody who could possibly be a serious a part of their future plans.
Whereas some groups have proven curiosity in Giddey, the Bulls are as reluctant to commerce him as they’re to provide him $30 million a yr. Moreover, he turns into a full free agent in 2026. The Bulls might want to decide now as to how badly they need to maintain Giddey. In the event that they wait too lengthy, the choice will 100% belong to Giddey, and shedding him to free company with nothing to indicate for it’s dangerous for the Bulls.
