Josh Giddey’s restricted free agency has yet to reach a resolution, with the Chicago Bulls and the young guard caught in a deadlock over contract terms. The stalemate persists as both sides weigh their positions, rooted mainly in Giddey’s firm demand for a $30 million annual salary, which the Bulls have not matched in their offers so far.
Recent reports reveal that Giddey’s representatives and the Bulls’ front office remain engaged in discussions aimed at bridging the gap between their differing contract proposals. The ongoing talks reflect a cautious approach from both parties, each waiting for the other to concede first amid the uncertainty surrounding the player’s value and future with the team.
Details Emerge on Contract Expectations and Team’s Position
According to updates from NBA insider Brett Siegel as of July 21, no significant progress has been made in negotiations. The two sides met during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where Giddey’s camp reiterated their desire for a deal comparable to those given to players like Jalen Suggs and Immanuel Quickley, who secured contracts near the five-year, $150 million to $162 million range.
No progress has been made between Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls on a new deal in restricted free agency, league sources said,
Siegel reported.
The two sides met at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where Giddey and his camp made it clear they want a contract similar to that of Jalen Suggs (5-year, $150 million) and Immanuel Quickley (5-year, $162 million) and have not come down from their $30 million annual average value asking price.
In contrast, the Bulls have only proposed contracts that span four years with annual salaries closer to $20 million. Despite the gap, both sides intend to reconvene and negotiate further, as the team’s focus sharpens on avoiding overpayment while keeping Giddey as a pillar of their rebuilding efforts.
The Bulls have not offered more than a four-year contract in the $20 million per year range. However, the two sides are expected to reunite and negotiate and find common ground on a new deal this summer. No team outside of Chicago has expressed legitimate interest in Giddey due to his contract demands.
Giddey’s Representatives Insist on $30 Million Salary Demand
Jake Fischer, an NBA insider, confirmed on July 17 that Giddey’s camp remains steadfast in its pursuit of a $30 million annual salary. Meanwhile, Chicago Bulls’ management draws from experience in handling restricted free agency to remain patient during these talks.
Back to Giddey and the Bulls: Chicago’s front office has no shortage of experience when it comes to waiting out a restricted free agency market,
Fischer reported.
This time, Giddey’s representation has not wavered in its pursuit of a $30 million annual salary, sources say, while the Bulls’ offers have been much closer to $20 million.
Industry observers speculate that a middle ground around $25 million per year might become the compromise once talks conclude. Both sides seem keen to finalize a deal that balances fair compensation with team budget considerations, hoping to preserve a positive working relationship.
Insider Speculates Giddey Unlikely to Secure $30 Million Contract
Bulls insider K.C. Johnson recently expressed skepticism about Giddey securing the $30 million per season figure. Speaking on Chicago Sports Network’s The Fastbreak, Johnson pointed out that the Bulls have never publicly acknowledged that level of compensation.
The Bulls and Giddey want to get a deal done,
Johnson said.
I don’t have particular numbers other than to say that Josh Giddey’s $30 million a year price tag that has been well-documented in media and out there since last fall when the rookie contract extension was discussed, has not ever crossed my radar. I have never heard the Bulls mention that number. So I would not expect Josh Giddey to sign a $30 million deal.
The ongoing negotiation remains critical not only for Giddey’s future but for the Bulls’ rebuild strategy. As Giddey holds a key role in the team’s plans, reaching an agreement soon is important to maintain stability and avoid distractions ahead of the upcoming NBA season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for an announcement and wondering how this impasse will affect the trajectory of both player and team.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Thunder get rid of Josh Giddey?
A. Presti explained that when they discussed how Josh could use his strengths to improve our current team, Josh struggled to see how it would work. This led him to explore opportunities with other teams.
Q. How old was Josh Giddey when he got his triple-double?
A. Giddey became the youngest NBA player to achieve a triple-double, reaching this milestone at just 19 years and 84 days old.
Q. Why did Josh Giddey leave Thunder?
A. Questions were raised about his future with the Thunder, and Giddey was very clear. He hoped to stay in Oklahoma City for many years.
However, things didn’t turn out that way. “Although no final choice was made, he was very emotional during his exit interview,” Bell mentioned.