With the new NBA season approaching, Josh Giddey’s situation with the Chicago Bulls remains unresolved. The Australian guard, currently a restricted free agent, is seeking a new long-term deal. While his future is still in question, reports indicate that Chicago has no plans of letting him walk.
Giddey is reportedly asking for a contract worth around $30 million per year, while the Bulls are offering closer to $20 million annually. Despite the gap, the franchise has made it clear they don’t want to part ways with the 22-year-old guard.
“Chicago doesn’t want to lose Josh Giddey at all,” Bleacher Report‘s Jack Fischer reported. “They’ve been telling other teams, they’ve been telling agents since the combine, that they are not interested in having any discussion whatsoever with Josh Giddey. They value Josh Giddey”.
The Bulls acquired Giddey in a high-profile trade, sending defensive anchor Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder. According to Fischer, that deal shows just how much the organization values the Australian.
“They traded Alex Caruso straight up for Josh Giddey when they had offers from various teams over the years for multiple first-round picks for Alex Caruso,” Fischer added. “That’s how much they value Josh Giddey. They see him as a major focal point of their roster moving forward. But they are not going to engage in any sign-and-trade scenario, and they’re not really going to move off their offer. So this is a holding pattern”.
At one point, Giddey was linked to the Golden State Warriors in a potential swap involving Jonathan Kuminga, but those rumors have since been denied, with the Bulls doubling down on their commitment to keeping Giddey in Chicago.
In his first season with the Bulls, Giddey averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game across 70 appearances, while shooting 46.5% from the field, 37.8% from beyond the arc, and 78.1% from the free-throw line. His all-around versatility is one of the main reasons why Chicago considers him a key piece for the future.