Josh Giddey’s Future at Risk Amid Contract Dispute and Trade Talk
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
Rising Bulls guard Josh Giddey remains in a contract stalemate as his camp pushes for a five-year, $150 million deal—while Chicago holds firm at around $20–25 million per year, unwilling to meet his $30 million annual demands. With no other team having sufficient cap room to sign him away, the Bulls hold all the leverage.
Three Possible Outcomes:
- Long-term deal: A midpoint agreement in the $25–28 million range could lock him down soon.
- Qualifying offer route: Giddey takes the one-year, $11.1 million tender and becomes a full free agent in 2026.
- Sign-and-trade: A workaround, but no active talks yet; the Bulls and Giddey both indicate they want a deal done.
Giddey’s asking price is tied to Jalen Suggs’ Magic extension. But Bulls insider K.C. Johnson notes Chicago has never hinted at matching that figure—and with no competing offers, they’re “playing the slow game”.
Meanwhile, restricted free agency rules mean any offer the Jazz or Nets could propose would be matched—but a sign-and-trade remains a potential path if both sides agree.
Why It Matters
- Bulls blueprint: Locking down Giddey aligns with Chicago’s youth-driven rebuild and recent Maxi Jones-style successes.
- Rising market pressure: With limited RFA cap space league-wide, Giddey is among the top talent still unsigned.
- Risk vs reward: If negotiations fail and Giddey takes the qualifying offer, the Bulls risk losing him next summer—while Giddey risks under-earning.
It’s a high-stakes chess match. Will Giddey accept a compromise to stay—or hold firm and gamble on next summer’s market? The Bulls are unlikely to budge at $30 million, but both—player and team—are incentivized to reach an agreement before leverage shifts.
