Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey is expected to stay with his team this offseason, alongside Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet, who is also likely to remain with the Rockets. These developments were reported recently by NBA insider Jake Fischer, reflecting the general consensus among league executives.
Fred VanVleet’s Impact and Contract Status with the Houston Rockets
Fred VanVleet, 31, joined the Houston Rockets in 2023 after spending seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors. While with the Raptors, he earned an NBA championship and was named an NBA All-Star once. Since arriving in Houston, VanVleet has brought valuable leadership and experience to a young roster.
His influence was evident as the Rockets improved from a 22-60 record before his arrival to an even 41-41 in his first season, and then made a leap to 52-30 this past season, securing the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Although he played a less dominant offensive role behind Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün during the most recent campaign, VanVleet still averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game, alongside notable defensive statistics and consistent outside shooting.
The Rockets currently hold a $44.8 million club option on VanVleet’s contract for the 2025-26 season, with a decision deadline of June 29. Fischer’s report suggests that regardless of whether the option is exercised, VanVleet is expected to stay with Houston, either by the club activating the option or through new contract negotiations.
Josh Giddey’s Growth with the Bulls and Restricted Free Agency Status
At just 22 years old, Josh Giddey had a breakout season with Chicago after the Bulls acquired him from the Oklahoma City Thunder last offseason. In 70 games, Giddey posted 14.6 points per game and achieved career highs in rebounds (8.1), assists (7.2), three-pointers made (1.5), and steals (1.2). He also demonstrated improved efficiency, shooting 46.5 percent from the field and a career-best 37.8 percent from beyond the arc.
The trade proved beneficial for the Thunder, who received valuable bench player Alex Caruso in exchange and have since reached the NBA Finals, needing only two more wins for the championship.
Nevertheless, the Bulls appear positioned as the long-term beneficiaries of the agreement, with Giddey’s development pointing toward a promising future. As a restricted free agent this offseason, Giddey can receive offer sheets from other teams, but the Bulls retain the right to match any such offers to keep him on the roster.
Significance of Retaining Josh Giddey for the Bulls’ Future
Despite the Bulls struggling recently, hovering around a .500 record and missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, retaining Giddey remains a clear priority. His versatile skill set and potential make him a natural figurehead around which Chicago can build an exciting, competitive team. Re-signing him this offseason would likely serve as a foundation for future success.