The differences between the Chicago Bulls and Josh Giddey: Will the Australian leave?

Four weeks after the start of the 2025 NBA free agency period, the Chicago Bulls and shooting guard Josh Giddey, a restricted free agent, are still unable to reach a renewal agreement. However, both parties have maintained constant discussions throughout the summer, with mutual interest in closing a multi-year contract, as reported by Joe Cowley (Chicago Sun-Times).

The main obstacle remains financial: Giddey's camp is demanding an average salary of 30 million per season, while the Bulls are offering close to 20 million. The difference is between 8 and 10 million per year. A survey conducted by Fred Katz and Joel Lorenzi (The Athletic) among 16 NBA front office executives mostly supports the Bulls' position. 14 of the 16 respondents value Giddey between 20 and 25 million annually, far from his camp's aspirations.

However, most executives do see merit in offering four or five guaranteed years, reflecting a certain confidence in his development. Only four free agents (Naz Reid, Myles Turner, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Sam Merrill) have secured contracts of at least four years in this free agency. "If you're going to offer four guaranteed years, you have to be sure," noted one executive. "But Giddey is an anomaly: he could be good enough to deserve that kind of long-term deal." Among the concrete figures proposed by executives: 4 years and 100 million dollars or 5 years and 125 million, according to the most optimistic executive.

No rush... for now

Katz and Lorenzi also point out that franchise executives tend to undervalue in these types of surveys as they do not want to contribute to inflating the market. In other words, if the same survey were conducted among player agents, the figures would be closer to what Giddey is asking for.

Despite the current differences, there is no hurry to close the deal. Giddey, 22 years old, has his qualifying offer valid until at least October 1, just before the start of training camps.

The Australian started last season with ups and downs after his trade from Oklahoma City (part of the deal for Alex Caruso), but finished strongly, especially after Zach LaVine's departure to Sacramento. Between February and the end of the regular season, he averaged 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 8.1 assists, with shooting percentages of 49.1% from the field, 45.1% from three-point range, and 80.1% from the free-throw line in a total of 25 games.

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