Everybody knew the Chicago Bulls wouldn’t be overly active this offseason, except in regards to unloading their higher-paid players. Lonzo Ball was the latest name on that checklist, getting shipped off to Cleveland. The other piece of vital business for VP Arturas Karnisovas was paying point guard Josh Giddey. He is now the unquestioned centerpiece of the team’s next rebuild. His debut last season was strong, averaging 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. The issue isn’t whether the Bulls want to keep him. It is money.

Rumors have persisted that Giddey wants around $30 million per year. However, the nature of the NBA market hasn’t been friendly to him. The only team considered a logical landing spot outside of Chicago was the Brooklyn Nets. They just got done trading for Michael Porter Jr. and his hefty contract. With them out of the picture, the Bulls are the only team left he can realistically negotiate with. That gives them plenty of leverage. Even so, Brian Windhorst of ESPN has heard nothing about progress on a deal.

It appears Giddey isn’t happy about that. He took to Instagram with a new post, showing a photo of him with an hourglass emoji next to it. No doubt it’s a signal to the Bulls that they better get serious about this.

Josh Giddey is likely to try every negotiating tactic possible.

If he can somehow coerce and threaten the Bulls enough, they might cave to his demands. His goal is to get them to bid against themselves. At least at present, it appears that Karnisovas won’t do that. He’s smart enough to know the Bulls have the leverage. Josh Giddey will get a strong payday befitting his status, but not the money other top point guards make. He doesn’t have the starting experience, All-Star nods, or rings to justify it. Karnisovas’ first responsibility is to the organization. If he can get a good player at a favorable price, even if said player doesn’t like it, then that is what must be done. Unless Giddey is willing to remain unsigned into next season, it feels like there’s only one way this ends.