The Chicago Bulls did not offer Josh Giddey a new contract as the deadline for NBA rookie contract extensions has expired. Following his trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Giddey will now enter restricted free agency after the 2024/25 season. He is included with other standout players of the 2021 draft like Jonathan Kuminga and Cam Thomas from Golden State and Brooklyn respectively who have also not received contract extensions.
Seeking a Lucrative Deal
Reports suggest that Josh Giddey was looking for a deal valued at no less than $30 million per year, just like the contracts agreed upon by Jalen Johnson and Jalen Suggs. Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, Giddey is aiming for a contract that falls in line with the latest trend in the market for young guards, which comes after Immanuel Quickley signed a five-year, $175 million deal with Toronto. Nevertheless, the Bulls appear to be prioritizing assessing Giddey’s first season in Chicago before making a big investment decision.
Chicago’s Strategic Flexibility
The Bulls exchanged Alex Caruso for Giddey, sparking doubts about their choice to not renew his contract. While it may appear risky to not give Giddey an extension before the season begins, the team values flexibility and prefers to evaluate his compatibility before making any permanent decisions. Arturas Karnisovas, the executive vice president of the Bulls, showed confidence in Giddey’s abilities, emphasizing his exceptional passing skills and potential for development.
A Critical Season Ahead
This season is pivotal for Giddey as he acclimates to a new team. His goal is to demonstrate his skills in creating plays while also enhancing his skills in shooting from long range and guarding opponents. The possible lack of players such as Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic may lead to Giddey having a greater role and influence. If Giddey does well, he might land a profitable deal next offseason, presenting a major chance for the young Australian guard this year.
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