Josh Giddey’s contract talks with the Chicago Bulls have hit a wall. The Australian guard reportedly wants $30 million annually, but Chicago isn’t close to that. Meanwhile, Giddey is nowhere to be found at the Bulls’ Summer League games in Las Vegas, sending a clear message about where negotiations stand.
Why Are the Bulls and Josh Giddey So Far Apart on Money?
Even after averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists with seven triple-doubles during his first season in Chicago, Giddey remains a restricted free agent. The guard reportedly wants a $30 million annual deal, similar to Jalen Suggs’ contract. That demand has created a standoff between the two sides.
NBA insider Jake Fischer spotted the tension firsthand, noting Giddey’s absence from the Bulls’ Summer League games on X. Fischer suggested the negotiations between the point guard and Chicago aren’t going well.
“Josh Giddey is in Las Vegas, but has noticeably been absent from both Bulls games at Summer League,” Fischer posted on X. “Several veterans just sat courtside here. Certainly seems like an indication that negotiations between the point guard and Chicago are not trending in an amicable direction.”
Josh Giddey is in Las Vegas, but has noticeably been absent from both Bulls games at Summer League. Several veterans just sat courtside here. Certainly seems like an indication that negotiations between the point guard and Chicago are not trending in an amicable direction.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 13, 2025
The optics tell the story. While other veterans showed up courtside to support their teammates, Giddey stayed away. His absence signals that talks between him and the Bulls have reached a rough patch.
Bulls insider K.C. Johnson confirmed the gap between what Giddey wants and what Chicago offers. According to Johnson, the front office hasn’t reached that figure of $30 million. On the Chicago Sports Network, Johnson said:
“I don’t have particular numbers, other than to say that Josh Giddey’s $30 million per year price tag, that’s been well documented in media and out there since last fall when the rookie contract extension was discussed, has not ever crossed my radar. I’ve never heard the Bulls mention that number. So I would not expect Josh Giddey to sign a $30 million deal.”
Johnson’s comments make it clear the Bulls aren’t budging on their valuation. As a restricted free agent, Giddey has limited options.
What Leverage Does Giddey Actually Have With Chicago?
The Bulls extended Giddey an $11.14 million qualifying offer, which gives them matching rights on any external deals. This setup weakens Giddey’s negotiating position significantly. He can’t simply walk away to another team without Chicago having the chance to match any offer.
However, this strategy also carries risk for the Bulls. If Giddey accepts the one-year qualifying offer and bets on himself, Chicago could lose him for nothing after the 2025-26 season. That would mean getting just one year of production from a player they traded for.
Despite the contract drama, Giddey’s production on the court speaks for itself. He put up historic numbers after his trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder to Chicago in the 2024-25 season. Giddey recorded 1,000-plus points, 500-plus rebounds, and 500-plus assists, becoming only the third Bull ever to reach those milestones, joining Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.
His post-All-Star break performance was even better. Giddey averaged 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, shooting 50% from the field and 45.7% from beyond the arc. Those numbers show exactly why he believes he deserves a big payday.
As the offseason continues, this contract standoff will determine whether Chicago can lock up a key piece of their future or risk losing him at a discount. The Bulls have to decide if they’re willing to pay market value for Giddey’s production or gamble on finding similar talent elsewhere.
