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. Meaning the breakout star for the Bulls’ 2024-25 season may nonetheless probably go away the franchise. The group would not need that to occur. In addition they do not need to pay Giddey what he thinks he is price.
For a group seemingly caught within the rebuilding section since Michael Jordan performed his final sport, it is a large deal. Recent off a commerce away from the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Giddey lastly appeared to seek out that subsequent stage followers had been ready for him to succeed in. It was onerous for the younger Australian to shine on a group loaded with nice gamers in OKC. The Bulls do not have that drawback.
Regardless of an incredible 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 value him all the things, and the Bulls may discover themselves operating again to the drafting board but once more.
Josh Giddey desires 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 group with the Adelaide 36ers, the place he turned the youngest participant within the league’s historical past to document 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 nicely for the Thunder however wasn’t a standout. Maintaining in thoughts he was on a group with SGA, Lu Dort, and a laundry record of stars, getting taking part in time was no small feat. The transfer to Chicago was good for him. He had probably his greatest season within the league, seeing important 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 group a few contract however the Bulls retain the appropriate 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 supply is hovering round $20 million per yr for 4 years. Giddey and his group 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 may 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 isn’t an insane quantity in NBA phrases, however they’re nonetheless over. Giving Giddey an excessive amount of cash may hurt the group’s skill to successfully construct a contender. Nonetheless, dropping Giddey, both in free company or to a sign-and-trade situation, leaves the franchise with out somebody who may very well be a significant 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 dropping him to free company with nothing to point out for it’s unhealthy for the Bulls.
