The Golden State Warriors have expressed strong interest in Chicago Bulls point-forward Josh Giddey, recognizing his valuable skillset, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. This interest has been communicated to Giddey’s representatives as part of the Warriors’ ongoing efforts to evaluate roster options ahead of the new season.
Despite this pursuit, a trade for Giddey appears unlikely at present due to his status as a restricted free agent along with significant salary cap complications. The Bulls have no intention of executing a sign-and-trade deal involving Giddey, limiting feasible options for the Warriors.
Challenges in Negotiations and Salary Restrictions
Jake Fischer detailed the difficulties surrounding any potential trade involving Giddey, emphasizing various hurdles.
“I’m told that the Warriors continue to value Josh Giddey’s skillset and have communicated their interest to the Australian point guard’s representation,”
Fischer wrote.
“There simply does not appear to be a feasible pathway to such a trade … not right now. 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.”
The Warriors’ financial constraints, combined with Giddey’s contract situation, significantly reduce the likelihood of a successful trade in the near term.
Josh Giddey’s On-Court Performance and Recent Movement
Last season, Giddey averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game for Chicago, shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc. He tallied 30 double-doubles and seven triple-doubles across 70 games, underscoring his all-around impact on the court. Giddey joined the Bulls following a trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 21, 2024, which sent Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City.
While Caruso helped lead the Thunder to a 2025 championship victory over the Indiana Pacers, Giddey and the Bulls missed the playoffs that same season. Golden State reached the postseason as well, defeating the Houston Rockets in a seven-game first round before falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round.
Approaching his 23rd birthday in October, Giddey holds career averages of 14.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, illustrating his steady contributions for both the Thunder and Bulls.
Ongoing Contract Negotiations and Future Outlook
The Bulls offered Giddey $80 million over four years at the start of free agency on June 30, but the player is reportedly seeking a salary close to $30 million per year. Concurrently, Golden State faces its own restricted free agent situation with Jonathan Kuminga, with talks having paused recently but expected to possibly resume through August.
Both Giddey and Kuminga must decide whether to sign their qualifying offers by October 1 to secure their eligibility for the upcoming season. As contract discussions continue, front offices across the NBA are closely monitoring how these situations will influence team rosters and salary cap flexibility moving forward.
Implications for Warriors’ Roster Strategy
The Warriors’ interest in Josh Giddey underscores their desire to integrate versatile, young talent into their lineup. However, financial and contractual barriers present significant challenges to acquiring Giddey despite his promising abilities. How Golden State balances these complexities while negotiating with their own restricted free agents, such as Kuminga, will shape their offseason strategy and competitive prospects for the next season.