Bulls Writer Offers Solution to Giddey’s Contract Stalemate

It feels like the Josh Giddey saga is never going to end. The Chicago Bulls guard is a restricted free agent this summer. However, he’s yet to sign a new deal as he reportedly holds out for an offer worth $30 million per year.

According to SB Nations Ricky O’Donnell, Giddey should change his approach. O’Donnell recently postulated that the playmaking guard should seek a shorter-term deal with a player option. That way, he could receive a pay increase now and bet on himself to earn an even bigger offer in the future.

“If the Bulls are offering a deal for $80 million guaranteed over four years, that would give Giddey a chance to get back into unrestricted free agency in his prime (he’ll only be 26 four years from now) after years of trying to improve his weaknesses,” O’Donnell wrote. “He’s in a position to put up big numbers in an uptempo system built around his strengths in Chicago, but whether or not that can actually lead to wins is another question entirely.”

O’Donnell continued.

“…Giddey should try to negotiate a shorter deal with a player option if he really wants to bet on himself — that way he’s locking in generational wealth while still gaining the ability to truly test the open market at a young age. A four-year, $90 million offer should be the absolute max for the Bulls.”

Giddey is in the perfect spot to continue driving up his value around the NBA. Billy Donovan undoubtedly plans to make him a featured part of the offense. And, it’s clear the Bulls view him as a long-term cornerstone to the franchise’s rebuilding efforts.

Bulls Negotiations Expected to Drag On

According to NBA Insider Jake Fischer, Chicago and Giddey are still $10 million apart in terms of his next contract. As such, Fischer doesn’t expect a resolution to be found “anytime soon.”

“We’re almost in August, but there’s really no rush on any of these teams or players’ side of things if you’re not moving these conversations closer to where you want to be,” Fischer said. “The last we reported on The Stein Line was that Josh Giddey’s side was still more anchored around $30 million AAV, and Chicago was more anchored around 20.”

Fischer continued.

“So, why not take all the time you need to get those ballparks or those field goal posts closer? I don’t really see a conclusion coming anytime soon. Also, I do not anticipate a [sign-and-trade] happening. And, I do think Josh Giddey is going to be going back to Chicago no matter what, but figuring out those terms will be tricky.”

There’s currently no other interest in Giddey from around the NBA. Therefore, the Bulls can afford to take a patient approach in their negotiations. So, right now, there’s very little reason for the Bulls fanbase to be worried.

Bulls Want to Wrap Up Their Negotiations

During a recent conversation with Keith Smith of Spotrac, an anonymous front office executive revealed the team’s desire to get an agreement with Giddey over the line.

“We want to get a deal done with Josh,” The executive said. “He’s as important of a player as we have. We see him as a foundational player for us. I hope we can find a deal that makes sense for us and him and that we’ll be together for a long time.”

Giddey suited up for  70 games last season. He averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists on 46.5% shooting from the field and 37.8% shooting from deep. Given his age, upside, and how he fits with the Bulls system, it’s clear why they want to keep him around. Unfortunately, everyone must show a level of patience while the prolonged negotiations continue to unfold.