Josh Giddey remains one of the biggest free agents on the market. He is likely returning to the Chicago Bulls, but he wants a deal similar to Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs.
The Chicago Bulls have already made some trades to accommodate Josh Giddey ahead of his return. However, he has not signed the contract, as his camp knows he deserves more money. Giddey has a point about his contract after his impressive run with the Bulls in the 2024-25 season.
The Australian guard averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the 2024-25 season. It was an impressive campaign that showed significant improvement from his earlier years. He was an afterthought with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and that is why they traded him for Alex Caruso.
Giddey knows he deserves a contract worth around $30 million per year. That is a massive deal, but a good fit in today’s NBA contract space. If the Bulls want to sign him, they need to increase the offer.
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty ImagesThe Suggs contract is influencing Giddey’s decision
Jalen Suggs signed a five-year contract worth $150.5 million in October 2024. It was a great deal for Suggs, as he continues to be one of the Orlando Magic’s best players. The former Gonzaga Bulldog has become a top guard for the team.
Since he earns around $30 million a year, Suggs’ deal has become influential in the market. Giddey is the latest player to seek a similar deal, as he and his camp believe he deserves it. He was impressive for the Bulls during the 2024-25 season, and he will continue moving forward.
Giddey is a restricted free agent, which means the Bulls can match any offer given to him. However, he wants to stay in Chicago and play for the Bulls, but the contract amount is the sticking point.
Since that is a known number, most teams around the league are not giving him that. He is a talented player, but he is not a popular name due to his unique profile. Giddey is not the quickest guard out there, but he is effective enough with his numbers.
Giddey fits in well with the Bulls, but they want him to sign a smaller deal. That is what is holding up his signing, which should lead to a compromise between both parties.
The Bulls and Giddey will likely come to a mutual decision
Giddey proved he is more than just a bigger guard during the 2024-25 season. He was excellent as a stat sheet stuffer, but he was also making games exciting for the Bulls. The Aussie guard is a willing passer, and he finds ways to break down the defense.
At only 22, it is okay to gamble on a player like Giddey. He already proved he can put up the numbers, and the Bulls need more talent on the roster. Matas Buzelis could be a star, while Coby White has broken out as one of the Eastern Conference’s best guards.
Bulls and Josh Giddey are having good dialogue, per a source, but the Giddey camp is dug in on the Suggs contract – $30 million per. Let the posturing continue.
— Joe Cowley (@JCowleyHoops) July 4, 2025
View Tweet
With Giddey on the roster, they have a playmaker and an underrated scorer to complement his Bulls teammates. The Bulls are fighting for a spot in the Playoffs, and they could surprise people in the 2025-26 season.
If they can resolve the details of Giddey’s contract, it will benefit all parties. The saga will not be over until the front office and Giddey’s camp agree on a number. In the meantime, the Suggs deal is a basis, but the Bulls will do their best to pull it down.