The Chicago Bulls have unexpectedly ushered in a successful post-Zach LaVine era. While the early February trade resembled a forthcoming rebuild and immediate returns did, Chicago has remained in the playoff picture and has even increased its odds recently. According to PlayoffStatus, the Bulls are 92 percent likely to earn a Play-In Tournament birth.

Despite losing numerous players to injuries, including Nikola Vucevic and Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago’s newest additions have provided invaluable contributions in complementary roles. Kevin Huerter, Tre Jones, and Zach Collins have averaged upwards of 10.0 points per game. Moreover, the trio have upped their contributions since the All-Star break—all starting multiple contests over the past few weeks.

However, the catalysts of the Bulls’ recent successes are guards Coby White and Josh Giddey. The former has averaged 24.1 points since the All-Star break and 31.3 points per game over the Bulls’ four-game winning streak. White has scored 21 or more points in every contest in March, including a 44-point outburst against the Orlando Magic on March 6. White’s increased scoring efforts have been indispensable to the Bulls in the post-LaVine era.

Josh Giddey’s post-All-Star break numbers are impossible to ignore

White’s backcourt mate, Giddey, has been as, or arguably more important, to the Bulls’ success. Upon returning from the All-Star festivities, Giddey has averaged 23.1 points, 10.9 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers per game. The 6-foot-8 guard is shooting an efficient 52.2 percent from the field and 52.5 percent from beyond the arc over his last nine appearances.

Giddey’s impressive stretch comes after months of early season struggles. The 22-year-old averaged less than 11.0 points per game in November and February. He was routinely held out of Billy Donovan’s closing lineups and appeared on a pathway to signing a qualifying offer (~$10.4 million) this summer to showcase his talent one last time before entering unrestricted free agency a year later.

That’s no longer the case. Giddey has improved tremendously throughout the season. He has transformed into a deadeye shooter, an efficient, high-volume driver, and a solid defender. All three aforementioned aspects of Giddey’s game were shortcomings throughout his career and the early portion of the season—negatively impacting the value of his looming contract.

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ESPN’s Brian Windhorst projects Giddey to earn roughly $150 million

Giddey’s transformative play has erased most concerns. Sure, his defense could be better, and his improved marksmanship comes at a low(ish) clip over a month. Nevertheless, he’s a difference-maker on offense with absurd positional size who’s posted an incredible 14.5 net rating since the All-Star break. Those around the league have taken notice of Giddey’s play and, consequently, have expected the Aussie to command a serious pay increase this offseason.

Appearing on an episode of Nothing But Net, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said he expected Giddey to play this well all season long, speaking of the 22-year-old’s recent ascension. The analyst then went on to say that “the going rate for a starting point guard in the NBA is around $30 million, and [Giddey] is their starter.” Thus, a contract similar to what Immanuel Quickley signed ($32.5 million) with the Toronto Raptors last off-season is in play.

Remember at the beginning of the season when it came to light that Giddey sought a contract extension similar to Jalen Suggs’s with the Orlando Magic? Then it was preposterous. Now, it’s likely. Giddey has proved to be a worthwhile addition, and the duo of him and White projects as foundational as the Bulls usher in a new era.