NBA Team Proposes $80 Million Contract to Josh Giddey During Initial Free Agency Period
The Chicago Bulls and Australian sensation Josh Giddey find themselves in a standoff in contract negotiations, with a substantial gap of $8 million to $10 million per year separating their proposed deals. This impasse, just weeks before the 2025-26 NBA season and training camp, has left the future of the young star uncertain.
Giddey, who had an impressive season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, nearly averaged a 20-point triple-double over his final 19 games. He finished 20th in the league in defensive rebounds (439) and 10th in assists (503) last season. His impressive performance earned him an average of 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest in 70 games (69 starts). Moreover, Giddey shot 46.5% from the floor and a career-best 37.8% from 3-point range.
The Bulls acquired Giddey in a trade deal that sent Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Following the trade, the Bulls proposed a long-term offer near $20 million per year, which Giddey and his representatives consider too low compared to his $30 million annual asking price. Giddey is seeking a five-year, $150 million contract, which would give him an annual salary of $30 million.
Despite the financial gap, the Bulls have not shown interest in sign-and-trade options or engaging trade talks involving Giddey, despite outside teams expressing interest. This hardline approach has reportedly strained relationships with rival teams and complicated trade negotiations.
If negotiations fail, Giddey could opt to accept the qualifying offer (one-year deal at a set salary), which would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. However, the Bulls seem to hope for a longer-term resolution.
Notably, the current contract stalemates between the Bulls and Giddey, and the Warriors and Kuminga, could have led to the leaking of the report about the Warriors' lack of interest in trade offers. The Warriors reportedly have had "zero interest" in trade offers for Jonathan Kuminga from the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings.
In summary, negotiations are currently at an impasse, with the Bulls firm at around $20 million per year and Giddey holding out for close to $30 million annually, causing significant tension and uncertainty about his immediate future with the team. The Bulls initially offered Giddey $80 million over four years at the start of free agency, but Giddey rejected the offer because he was seeking an annual salary in the $30 million range. Since then, the Bulls have been offering Giddey an annual salary in the $20 million range.
[1] Jake Fischer, BasketballNews.com, "Bulls make offer to former first-rounder at start of free agency." [2] Brett Siegel, ClutchPoints, "Warriors not actively pursuing Giddey this offseason." [3] Joe Cowley, Chicago Sun-Times, "Bulls' Josh Giddey wants to get a deal done to stay in Chicago." [4] NBA Insider, "Bulls' hardline approach complicates trade negotiations." [5] NBA Insider, "Giddey's qualifying offer looms as potential solution to contract stalemate."
- The Chicago Bulls are looking to assist the rookie, Josh Giddey, in his quest for a long-term contract, but a significant discrepancy of $10 million per year in their proposed deals has caused an impasse.
- Despite his impressive basketball statistics, such as averaging a 20-point triple-double over his final 19 games and ranking 10th in assists last season, Giddey is seeking an annual salary of $30 million.
- The Bulls, on the other hand, have only offered an annual salary in the range of $20 million, which has not been satisfactory for Giddey and his representatives.
- If negotiations continue to stall, Giddey may choose to accept the qualifying offer, which would make him an unrestricted free agent next summer, creating uncertainty about his future with the Bulls in the NBA.
