Bulls advised against caving to Josh Giddey's demands in restricted free agency

The Chicago Bulls and Josh Giddey have reached a stalemate in negotiations on a long-term deal, with the Bulls seemingly in the driver's seat as few teams have the cap space to meet his asking price. 

Giddey has the option to bet on himself by accepting his $11.1 million qualifying offer, playing out the 2025-26 campaign before hitting unrestricted free agency next summer. However, that route would leave Chicago at risk of losing the 6-foot-8 guard for nothing after acquiring him in exchange for Alex Caruso in June 2024. 

Still, NBA writer Dan Favale of Bleacher Report urged the Bulls not to cave to Giddey's reported $30 million asking price, comparing the situation to a questionable move the team made last offseason. 

“Paying the 22-year-old an exorbitant price tag just because he's a young and useful player you acquired for Alex Caruso is decidedly not the move,” he wrote. “Backing up the Brink's truck now is akin to the Bulls negotiating against themselves. It's also exactly what they did last summer when giving Patrick Williams a five-year deal, replete with a player option.”

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With limited cap space across the league, the Bulls have leverage. While the former No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has the tools to eventually justify a hefty contract, it wouldn't make much sense for the Bulls to overextend on a long-term deal at this stage. 

Giddey did flash his ability to stuff the stat sheet last season, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.5 three-pointers and 1.2 steals across 30.2 minutes per game in 70 regular-season appearances. The 22-year-old also showed major growth from beyond the arc, shooting a career-best 37.8 percent from downtown. 

If the two sides are unable to reach a new agreement, it appears likely Giddey will accept his qualifying offer and look to prove he's worth a major payday next offseason.

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