The Chicago Bulls’ summer of uncertainty may finally be nearing a conclusion. After months of speculation, contract stalls, and league-wide whispers, one question has dominated Chicago basketball: Will they commit long-term to their young playmaker? The answer appears to be a resounding yes, with 22-year-old guard Josh Giddey now predicted to land a four-year, $96 million deal to stay in Chicago.
It’s the latest twist in a saga that has seen the young playmaker go from trade chip in Oklahoma City to centerpiece of the Bulls’ long-term future. If the reports prove true, Chicago is making a major bet on Giddey’s potential to transform their franchise.
Can the Bulls Finally Re-Sign Josh Giddey?
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Chicago Bulls initially offered Giddey a four-year contract in the $80 million range. The Australian guard countered, aiming for $30 million annually, a number no team on the market seemed ready to match.
That leverage gap has kept negotiations alive for nearly two months, but a compromise is reportedly within reach. Bleacher Report projects a four-year, $96 million deal, complete with a player option in the final season, as the likeliest outcome.
Does Josh Giddey truly deserve what is a rumored $96M contract? pic.twitter.com/VdBpouozYD
— Errol Marks (@ErrolMarks34) August 19, 2025
Throughout all the drama surrounding Giddey and his asking price, Chicago’s front office has been clear about seeing him as their cornerstone. The organization’s commitment runs deeper than just numbers on a contract.
“We want to get a deal done with Josh. 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,” according to a team executive quoted by Sportrac’s Keith Smith during Summer League.
In the modern NBA, where guard depth is everything, the Bulls couldn’t afford to risk letting their 6’8″ floor general test unrestricted free agency in 2026. That gamble could have cost them their most promising young talent.
Why Does Giddey Matter in Chicago’s Plans?
Josh Giddey arrived in Chicago in the summer of 2024 as part of the Alex Caruso trade with Oklahoma City. Caruso went on to help the Thunder capture the 2025 NBA title, while the Bulls stumbled to a playoff miss yet again. The early optics weren’t flattering for Giddey or Chicago’s front office.
Yet beneath the surface, Giddey’s production told a different story. In his first full season with Chicago, he averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals across 70 games, while shooting a career-best 37.8% from three. More importantly, he started 69 of those games, quickly becoming a stabilizing force on both ends of the floor.
UNREAL. 🤯
Josh Giddey’s buzzer-beating game-winner from half court was one of the most amazing moments of the season! 🍿 pic.twitter.com/BL4nJHGXHH
— NBA UK (@NBAUK) August 16, 2025
At just 22, he represents a rare commodity in today’s league: a versatile guard who can rebound like a forward and space the floor well enough to complement scoring wings like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu. His presence makes the Bulls’ offense more dynamic and unpredictable.
The Bulls believe his ceiling is far from tapped. While he didn’t get the full $120 million contract he reportedly sought, the flexibility of a player option could give him another crack at a bigger payday before he hits his prime. For Chicago, that’s a risk worth taking to keep their most promising piece in place.
