Bulls’ $80 Million Offer to Josh Giddey Still Unresolved
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The Chicago Bulls put a four-year, $80 million contract in front of restricted free agent Josh Giddey when the market opened on June 30, according to league sources cited by The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer.
Multiple reports for nearly a year have pegged the 22-year-old guard’s target salary at roughly $30 million per season, leaving Chicago’s $20 million-per-year proposal well below that figure. Fischer reports the Bulls have not moved far from their initial stance during the six weeks since free agency began.
Limited Options for Giddey
Because Giddey is a restricted free agent, he cannot sign outright with another club. Fischer notes, however, that several Eastern Conference teams have explored sign-and-trade possibilities, while the Golden State Warriors have maintained interest. No realistic trade framework has emerged, and Chicago has signaled it is unwilling to engage seriously in sign-and-trade talks, sources said.
Strong Finish to First Season in Chicago
Acquired last summer from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Alex Caruso, Giddey struggled early but surged after Chicago sent Zach LaVine to Sacramento. From Feb. 1 through the end of the regular season, he averaged 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 8.1 assists while shooting 49.1 percent from the field, 45.1 percent from three and 80.1 percent at the line over 25 games.
Clock Ticking, but No Immediate Deadlines
Restricted free agents have until Oct. 1 to accept one-year qualifying offers—$11.1 million in Giddey’s case—though that date can be extended by mutual agreement. The calendar otherwise offers no August or September deadlines, leaving negotiations without immediate pressure points.
Recent years have seen at least one restricted free agency impasse stretch late into the offseason. Isaac Okoro re-signed with Cleveland on Sept. 17 last year, P.J. Washington returned to Charlotte on Aug. 29 in 2023, and Collin Sexton’s deal was not resolved until September 2022.
Source: HoopsRumors
