The 2025 NBA offseason continues to unfold with several significant player movements, yet restricted free agents like Josh Giddey remain central to potential shifts in team dynamics. Despite hype surrounding the “Josh Giddey Warriors trade potential,” his contract situation has become a sticking point. Giddey, currently with the Chicago Bulls, is entangled in negotiations where his camp seeks a $30 million annual salary, while the Bulls are holding firm at approximately $20 million per year. This standoff affects possible trades and player movement heading into the next NBA season.
Giddey’s performance during the 2024-25 season was exceptional, especially after the All-Star break, where his statistics matched those of top-tier players in the Eastern Conference. His value as a starting-caliber point guard continues to rise, despite the challenges presented by the restricted free agent status, which limits his ability to move freely without the Bulls’ approval. Unless he opts to accept the qualifying offer and becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026, the Bulls maintain significant negotiating leverage.
The Warriors’ Interest and the Complex Trade Landscape
The Golden State Warriors recently expressed interest in acquiring Giddey, stirring excitement among fans imagining a backcourt pairing with Steph Curry. However, this scenario is complicated beyond initial appearances. The Warriors’ pursuit of Giddey faces several obstacles rooted in NBA contract regulations and the team’s current roster limitations.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that although the Warriors value Giddey’s skill set and have communicated interest to his representatives, executing a trade remains highly unlikely. Salary-matching rules and the base-year compensation clause severely restrict Golden State’s ability to facilitate such a deal. According to Fischer,
“The base-year compensation issue alone makes it challenging before we even get to the limited salary-matching and outgoing player flexibility that Golden State is currently facing,”
highlighting the structural barriers that impede this trade possibility.
Moreover, the Warriors would likely need to include key players such as Draymond Green in any trade package for Giddey, a prospect that appears improbable at this time. The constraints imposed by current contracts and the roster’s makeup mean that fans should temper expectations regarding a straightforward acquisition of Giddey by the Warriors.
Background on Josh Giddey’s Draft and Career Developments
In 2021, the Warriors narrowly missed selecting Josh Giddey, who was chosen sixth overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Golden State then chose Jonathan Kuminga at the seventh pick. While Kuminga has since earned an NBA championship ring with the Warriors, his role has fluctuated, leaving both players’ trajectories intertwined in fan discussions.
The Warriors were 1 pick away from Josh Giddey in 2021 ðThe Thunder grabbed him at No. 6, and Golden State pivoted to Jonathan Kuminga at No. 7. Fast forward to 2025: Kuminga’s got a ring, but never the keys. A rocky stint in the Bay has left him in limbo, but the Bulls can… —ClutchPoints
This draft history complicates the narrative regarding potential trades, as Golden State managing both Kuminga and targeting Giddey would add further uncertainty to their roster balance and salary cap management.
Giddey’s Recent Performance Highlights His Value
Over the last 11 games of the season, Josh Giddey has displayed remarkable all-around effectiveness, solidifying his status among the league’s promising playmakers. His averages include 22.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 9.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, with shooting splits of 53.1 percent from the field, 52.2 percent from three-point range, and 84.5 percent from the free-throw line.
Josh Giddey over the last 11 games: 22.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 9.1 APG, 1.7 SPG, 53.1% FG, 52.2% 3P, 84.5% FT. Playing like an All-Star. ð¥ð¥ —Hoop Central
These figures underline why multiple NBA teams, especially those in the Eastern Conference, are eager to pursue Giddey. However, the realities of contract restrictions and existing team priorities mean that landing him requires navigating complex financial and roster considerations.
Future Outlook and Implications for Teams Involved
The ongoing negotiation between Giddey and the Chicago Bulls, combined with the Golden State Warriors’ contractual limitations, suggest that any trade involving Giddey will require intricate maneuvering. Both teams must balance cap space, player assets, and long-term strategy amidst a volatile offseason atmosphere shaped by other major player moves, such as Kevin Durant’s shift to the Houston Rockets and Desmond Bane’s move to the Orlando Magic.
With the Bulls holding contractual control over Giddey, and the Warriors facing restrictions due to the base-year compensation rule, fans may have to wait before seeing a deal take place. This stalemate underscores the tension inherent in NBA free agency and restricted free agency systems, which can stall player movement even when mutual interest exists.
As the 2025 offseason progresses, the decisions made around Josh Giddey’s contract and potential trade will not only impact the Bulls and Warriors but could also reverberate across other teams in the Eastern Conference looking to capitalize on any shifts. The situation demands cautious observation from fans and analysts alike, as the complicated financial and roster mechanics continue to unfold.