At this point in the offseason, most restricted free agents have either signed or come to terms with reality. Josh Giddey, though, has been holding out, reportedly eyeing a deal around $30 million a year. That’s not just optimistic; it borders on unrealistic. He’s 22, sure, and has plenty of upside, but that kind of money is usually reserved for guys who’ve helped win games that actually matter.
Another Swing, Same Direction? Bulls’ Giddey Offer Raises Eyebrows
Giddey’s Asking Price vs. Reality
Now it looks like the Chicago Bulls have made their move. According to K.C. Johnson from the Chicago Sports Network, the team has put a long-term offer on the table: roughly $20 million per season. And while that might not be the number Josh Giddey dreamed about, it’s probably the most generous he will see this summer.
It’s easy to see both sides of this. Giddey’s got good size, he rebounds well for a guard and he is capable of making plays. He’s averaged 14.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and just over 6 assists across four NBA seasons. Not bad. But it’s also not the résumé of someone you build a team around. The shooting’s inconsistent, and he’s not exactly locking guys up on defense.
The Bulls’ Identity Crisis Continues
If you’re the Chicago Bulls, this move doesn’t scream “vision.” It feels like more of the same, throwing money at potential, hoping something sticks. And it’s not even the first time. This team has been wandering in the fog for a while now. No clear rebuild, no clear push to contend. Just floating.
Let’s put it this way: If the Bulls think Giddey is their future cornerstone, it says more about their desperation than his development. Meanwhile, Coby White is right there. He’s grown, he’s improved, and arguably, he’s done more to earn long-term trust than Giddey has. But here we are, watching the front office lean into another maybe. That’s not a knock on Giddey, by the way; he should take the deal and run. With few (if any) serious bidders out there, locking in $20 million a year is a smart business decision and it’s just hard to believe this is the kind of move that will get the Bulls out of their rut.
Look at where they’re heading. Another season outside the playoffs feels almost inevitable. They haven’t made it in three straight years, and if this is their big play for 2025–26; fans should probably temper expectations. Again.
The frustrating part? This team keeps making decisions like they’re afraid to commit, to winning or to just start over. Instead, they’re stuck in a holding pattern, handing out sizable contracts to guys who might (emphasis on might) become something more. And if Giddey doesn’t develop the way they hope? That’s cap space tied up in a gamble, and not even a bold one. Just… cautious. Safe. Forgettable.
So maybe Giddey signs. Maybe he fits in. Maybe he even breaks out and proves everyone wrong. But if things play out the way they usually do in Chicago lately, this deal might end up looking like yet another move that kept the Bulls stuck in neutral, not rebuilding, not contending, just existing.
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