Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls and Josh Giddey have been locked in contract negotiations all summer. Neither side has been able to find a middle ground on what they believe a fair deal would look like.

Giddey is reportedly seeking a contract in the region of $30 million per year. Chicago, on the other hand, reportedly feels more comfortable in the $20 million per year range.
According to Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, a compromise between the two sides remains the most logical outcome. Favale suggested a four-year deal worth $96 million, with a player option in the final year, as a deal that could solve the current stalemate.

“Bet on this ending with a four-year deal that sees Chicago come up a little bit and Giddey moving off his initial ask in exchange for flexibility at the end of the contract,” Favale wrote. “Prediction: Josh Giddey re-signs with the Bulls on a four-year, $96 million deal, with a player option on the final season.”

Giddey has proven himself to be a key member of the Bulls’ rebuilding efforts. Inking him to an extension has undoubtedly been a priority all summer. However, Giddey has played hardball, as he searches for a deal he believes is fitting for a player of his current skill set.

Giddey Has Previously Attracted Interest

According to Jake Fischer, who was writing via an August 10 edition of the Stein Line Newsletter, “multiple Eastern Conference teams” have registered their interest in Giddey’s services this summer.

“Sources say Giddey has managed to attract some external interest from rival teams since free agency began, with multiple Eastern Conference teams contacting Giddey’s representation to register sign-and-trade interest,” Fischer wrote. “Yet it’s likewise true that more than one rival front office has indicated a reluctance to try to engage the Bulls in sign-and-trade discussions, sources say, with Chicago having messaged for some time that it is not eager to discuss such scenarios.”

If those teams still had interest in Giddey, they would likely have made an offer by now. As such, that previous interest won’t be enough for Giddey to use as leverage in upcoming contract negotiations.

Bulls Are Keen to Re-Sign Giddey

When speaking to Keith Smith of Spotrac at NBA Summer League, a member of the Bulls front office discussed the team’s desire to re-sign Giddey long-term.

“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 played in 70 games for the Bulls last season. He averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game, shooting 46.5% from the field and 37.8% from deep. If the Bulls can continue to build around him, Giddey could emerge as one of the best guards in the NBA in the near future. He has all the tools to be one of the most complete ball-handlers in the world.

That’s why we should expect Chicago to eventually inch closer to Giddey’s demands, as they look to put the current saga to bed.

Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns for Heavy. He has also written for CelticsBlog, USA Today, Yardbarker and FanSided. Adam has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor