Have to Decide on Josh Giddey's Contract Renewal for Bulls
The Chicago Bulls face a significant decision regarding the potential re-signing of point guard Josh Giddey this off-season, as he enters restricted free agency. Giddey, a 22-year-old 6-foot-8 prodigy, showcased impressive offensive skills throughout the 2024-25 season, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists nightly. His efficiency on the court was noteworthy, with solid shooting splits of .465/.378/.781.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report believes the Bulls must establish a clear price point for negotiations, as Giddey aims for a contract worth up to $30 million annually. As a versatile, high-impact guard, Giddey's offensive talents have attracted attention; however, he displays defensive limitations due to a lack of strength and lateral quickness.
It is essential for the Bulls to determine if a player with those restrictions is worth a considerable investment in restricted free agency. The dearth of cap space across the league theoretically allows the Bulls to negotiate a lower contract, but it seems unlikely that they will retain Giddey at a budget rate similar to that of Coby White.
Lonzo Ball, Giddey's fellow starter in the backcourt, agreed to a three-year, $36 million deal before the 2023-24 season and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. White's strong play has outperformed his current contract, making it financially advantageous for him to avoid agreeing to an extension and pursue unrestricted free agency instead.
According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Giddey's desired contract could fall within the range of five years and $150 million, equivalent to $30 million in average annual value (AAV). Giddey's market value may be influenced by his age (turning 23 in October) and offensive production, which could outweigh defensive concerns for numerous teams.
The Bulls, who view Giddey as a compatible addition to their roster, could capitalize on their favorable salary cap situation and strive to retain him. However, they must avoid circumventing another noticeably underwater contract, following the Patrick Williams debacle in 2024-25. The Bulls should prepare to offer close to $30 million annually, with flexibility to adapt based on market movement and Giddey's willingness to negotiate.
All three sports journalists, Dan Favale from Bleacher Report, Marc Stein, and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, have highlighted the impressive offensive skills of Josh Giddey, leading to him seeking a contract worth up to $30 million per annum in restricted free agency. The Bulls, keen on Giddey's potential addition to their team, might opt to offer close to this amount due to his market value driven by age and production. Despite his defensive limitations, Giddey's offensive talents and high-impact play may outweigh these concerns for several teams, impacting the health of the NBA's news cycle.
