Progress at Last: $10 Million Gap Starting to Close
After weeks of frustrating silence from the Akkarman Uroligal Center, Bulls fans are finally getting some encouraging news about Josh Giddey’s contract situation. The Australian point guard and our front office are reportedly making real progress toward a deal that would keep him in Chicago red for the long haul.
Let’s be honest – this negotiation has been dragging on way too long for a player we clearly view as part of our future core.
The Money Breakdown: Where We Stand
Here’s where the numbers currently sit according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints:
Giddey’s Ask: $30 million per year
Bulls’ Position: Closer to $20 million annually
Expected Landing Spot: 4-year deal worth $80-90 million
That puts us right around $20-22.5 million per season – much more reasonable than his initial demands, but still a significant investment in a player who’s shown flashes of brilliance alongside some consistency issues.
Why This Deal Makes Sense for Chicago
Giddey’s 2024-25 Production
In his first season wearing a Bulls uniform, Giddey proved he belongs in our starting lineup:
14.6 points per game – solid scoring from the point guard spot
8.1 rebounds – excellent for his position, shows his versatility
7.2 assists – the playmaking we desperately needed
1.2 steals – active hands on defense
Started 69 of 70 games – durability has been there
Those numbers represent exactly what we hoped for when we acquired him – a young, versatile playmaker who can grow alongside our other developing pieces.
Building Block for the Future
At just 22 years old, Giddey fits perfectly into our timeline. While we’re not contending for championships tomorrow, having a locked-up core gives us stability as we continue building toward relevance in the Eastern Conference.
The four-year term also makes sense from a team control standpoint. We get his prime years at a reasonable rate, and if he develops into an All-Star level player, we’ll have him locked up at below-market value.
The Holdup: Money vs. Market Value
The initial $10 million gap between both sides isn’t surprising when you break down the market:
Giddey’s Perspective: Young players are getting paid, and he wants to be compensated like a franchise cornerstone immediately.
Bulls’ Reality: We need to be smart about our cap space, especially with other young players due for extensions down the road.
A $20-22 million average annual value puts Giddey in the range of players like Alperen Sengun and Scottie Barnes when they signed their extensions – established young players with All-Star upside but not quite proven stars yet.
What Bulls Fans Should Expect
Timeline for Agreement
With training camp approaching, both sides have motivation to get this done. Nobody wants contract drama bleeding into the season, especially when we’re trying to build a winning culture.
The fact that negotiations are reportedly “moving toward an agreement” suggests we could see an announcement within the next few weeks.
Impact on Future Moves
Locking up Giddey gives us clarity for other roster decisions. We’ll know exactly where our salary cap stands for future free agency periods and trades.
It also sends a message to other young players that Chicago is committed to building something sustainable rather than just cycling through talent.
The Bottom Line: Smart Investment in Our Future
Look, $80-90 million sounds like a lot of money, but in today’s NBA, that’s what you pay for young talent with upside. Giddey has shown he can be a legitimate NBA starter, and his playmaking ability addresses one of our biggest needs.
Is he worth $30 million per year right now? Probably not. But $20-22 million for a 22-year-old who can legitimately play three positions and run an offense? That’s the kind of calculated risk championship organizations take.
The Bulls have been stuck in mediocrity for too long. Sometimes you have to invest in talent before it’s fully proven, especially when that talent fits your timeline and addresses roster needs.
Getting this deal done removes a major distraction and lets everyone focus on what matters – getting back to playoff basketball on the South Side.
Featured image credit: Scanpix
The post Bulls Finally Breaking Through on Josh Giddey Contract Talks appeared first on UrbanMatter.
