Chicago Bulls at an impasse over… 10 million dollars?
Mar 31, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) catches a inbound ball during a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Contract negotiations between Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls are facing major difficulties. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Illinois franchise offered a four-year, $80 million contract when free agency opened on June 30. However, the Australian point guard is seeking an annual salary of $30 million, creating a considerable gap of $10 million per season.
The Bulls offered Josh Giddey a 4-year, $80M deal, per @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/XdYDovD3K5
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 10, 2025
The former Oklahoma City Thunder player, now a restricted free agent, hopes to secure a contract similar to Jalen Suggs in Orlando. This substantial difference between the player’s expectations and the Bulls’ offer explains why no agreement has been reached between the two parties since the beginning of summer.
Growing Interest from Rival Franchises
Despite Chicago’s firm position, Josh Giddey has managed to attract attention from several competing teams. According to Fischer’s sources, « several Eastern Conference teams have contacted Giddey’s representatives to express their interest in a sign-and-trade. » This situation provides alternatives for the Australian player, who is no longer limited to the Bulls’ proposals alone.
Among the most serious options is a potential trade with the Golden State Warriors involving Jonathan Kuminga. The young Warriors forward is in a similar contractual situation to Giddey, making a mutual exchange particularly attractive for both franchises. This path would allow the Bulls to acquire a promising talent while freeing Giddey from the current contractual deadlock.
However, negotiations remain complex as Chicago has indicated they are « not willing to discuss such scenarios, » according to several rival franchise executives. This reluctance by the Bulls to explore sign-and-trade options could prolong the uncertainty surrounding their Australian point guard’s future, while other restricted free agents like Cam Thomas and Quentin Grimes are experiencing similar situations.
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