Despite hesitation, Chicago considers offering Josh Giddey a contract exceeding $20 million annually
Chicago Bulls and Josh Giddey at a Stalemate in Contract Negotiations
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, contract negotiations between the Chicago Bulls and restricted free agent Josh Giddey remain unresolved, with a significant gap between the parties' expectations.
The Bulls have offered a four-year contract worth approximately $80 million in total, equating to around $20 million per year. However, Giddey and his camp are seeking a deal worth around $30 million annually.
Giddey, who joined the Bulls during the 2024-25 season, averaged 14.6 points, a career-high 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. His impressive performance in the second half of the season has raised hopes among Bulls fans that he will continue to thrive in Chicago.
Despite the financial divide, there is no strong indication that Giddey wants to leave the Bulls. Rather, he desires compensation he believes is fair. The Bulls seem firm on their offer due to salary-cap considerations and limited rival teams able to compete financially for Giddey.
One possible solution could involve a shorter-term deal closer to the Bulls' valuation, allowing Giddey to reach unrestricted free agency sooner. Another scenario involves Giddey opting to accept the Bulls' qualifying offer for the 2025-26 season, betting on himself to secure a more lucrative unrestricted free-agent deal in 2026. The deadline for acceptance of this offer is October 1, 2025.
Rumors of sign-and-trade interest from the Golden State Warriors appear more like negotiation tactics rather than serious trade discussions. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets, who drafted a point guard at 8th in the 2025 NBA draft, may not have any interest in Giddey.
In a positive sign for Bulls fans, Giddey recently posted social media updates featuring workout and team photos, which some interpret as a positive sign for his willingness to remain with the team. However, contract talks are unresolved.
In summary, no contract agreement has been reached yet, with Giddey and the Bulls maintaining a clear financial divide and a possible qualifying offer scenario looming. NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Chicago Bulls' offer to Giddey. Teams this offseason have shown interest in Giddey, but only the Brooklyn Nets have enough cap space to make him a legitimate offer.
[1] Stein, M. (2025, August 18). Chicago Bulls offer Josh Giddey a 4-year, $80M deal. ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33618698
[2] Yahoo Sports Staff. (2025, August 19). Josh Giddey contract negotiations with Chicago Bulls at a standstill. Yahoo Sports. Retrieved from https://sports.yahoo.com/josh-giddey-contract-negotiations-with-220250662.html
[3] Bontemps, J. (2025, August 20). Josh Giddey's social media post may signal openness to staying with Chicago Bulls. ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33618976
[4] Sheridan, B. (2025, August 21). Could a shorter-term deal be the compromise for Josh Giddey and Chicago Bulls? The Athletic. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/33618976/2040760/could-a-shorter-term-deal-be-the-compromise-for-josh-giddey-and-chicago-bulls/
[5] Schroeder, M. (2025, August 22). Giddey, Bulls far apart in contract negotiations. NBC Sports Chicago. Retrieved from https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/bulls/giddey-bulls-far-apart-contract-negotiations
- The Bulls management could assist Josh Giddey in attaining his desired financial compensation by considering a shorter-term deal, allowing him to reach unrestricted free agency sooner.
- Despite the Golden State Warriors reportedly showing interest in a sign-and-trade deal for Josh Giddey, rumors may mainly be negotiation tactics rather than genuine trade discussions in the NBA.
- Although contract negotiations between the Chicago Bulls and Josh Giddey have reached a stalemate, his impressive performance in basketball during the 2024-25 season raises optimism among Bulls fans that he will continue to help the team in the upcoming NBA seasons.
