The Chicago Bulls are one of many NBA teams across the league scrambling to finalize rosters and secure contracts amid a tightening free-agent market.
The Bulls finished the 2024-25 season with another Play-In loss but showed flashes of potential in the latter half of the campaign. Young point guard Josh Giddey, in particular, revved up his production as the season wore on and showed he can be an effective lead guard for Chicago moving forward.
Now, Giddey seeks a new contract in the realm of $30 million per season, but the Bulls aren’t budging.
With limited cap space league-wide and a subdued market for restricted free agents, Chicago finds itself in a favorable position to dictate terms without rushing into an inflated deal for Giddey.
Giddey was brought to the Bulls in a blockbuster trade last summer that sent veteran defender Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Giddey took some time to acclimate to his new team, but the Aussie took off during the second phase of the season, nearly averaging a triple-double for Chicago after the All-Star break.
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Despite the delayed process of finalizing a new deal for Giddey (due to the Bulls’ patience), ESPN’s Jamal Collier assured fans on Monday that an agreement between Giddey and Chicago should happen soon.
“Contract negotiations between Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls have dragged on for months, but both sides are almost certain to come to an agreement before the end of the summer,” Collier wrote.
“Giddey remains a part of the team’s long-term plans … the Bulls got a glimpse of his effectiveness as a lead initiator in the second half when he averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists after the All-Star break.”
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“Giddey has been seeking a deal in the $30 million range annually, and the team hasn’t agreed to that price,” Collier continued. “With cap space scarce across the league, especially for restricted free agents, the Bulls have benefited from holding out for a more team-friendly deal.”
Collier’s update suggests that Giddey will be wearing a Bulls uniform for the foreseeable future. Giddey brings a unique skill set that aligns with the Bulls’ vision under head coach Billy Donovan, who has lately emphasized ball movement and an up-tempo style.
An agreement with Giddey before summer’s end would allow the Bulls to enter training camp with clarity.
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