The contract discourse between Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls has had its ebbs and flows. From an improbable extension to an inevitable $150 million deal to a crossroads in the midst of a grueling restricted free agency period, the cyclical discussion still hasn't run its course.
As the NBA 2k26 Summer League heats up in Las Vegas (no pun intended), apparently so are tensions between Giddey and the Bulls. NBA insider Jake Fischer provided insight into Giddey's arrival in Sin City and the lack of communication between the two parties.
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
Despite traveling from his native Melbourne to Las Vegas in the past days, Giddey has yet to be seen with his Bulls' teammates. Coby White, Isaac Okoro, Kevin Huerter, Julian Phillips, Matas Buzelis (who played in game one), Patrick Williams, and Zach Collins were all present to watch Chicago's second summer league contest—a 109-92 loss to the Sacramento Kings.
Josh Giddey and the Bulls are at an impasse
Bulls supporting Bulls 🤝
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) July 13, 2025
Our guys stopped by to watch Game 2 for the Summer Bulls. pic.twitter.com/rL1pHiIOvv
Moreover, Vice President of Basketball Operations Artūras Karnišovas also attended the Bulls' second contest. He even joined the NBA TV broadcast to discuss the team's post-All-Star break success, new identity, and youth movement.
Speaking of Giddey, Karnišovas referred to the Aussie and his backcourt mate, White, as a dynamic duo. It's telling Karnišovas would like to see Giddey return to the Windy City, but at what cost? As of now, certainly not $30 million.
On July 9, in an episode of The Fastbreak, Chicago Sports Network's K.C. Johnson reported he had not heard the Bulls mention a $30 million deal thus far, and that Chicago is "keeping the number down" because of Giddey's lack of leverage.
While that's true, the restricted free agent market has dried up considerably, the contract discussions must remain amicable to keep the 22-year-old in the franchise's good graces. Giddey made his mark in Chicago, especially during the latter half of the season. He's an ever-important piece moving forward.
Yet, is half a season of impressive play worth such a lucrative pact? That's the question taking so long to be answered. Giddey surely thinks so, but he's the player; he should believe that. Furthermore, his first three seasons in the association are still eye-catching. He averaged 13.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in Oklahoma City before his 22nd birthday.
On the flip side, even if the Bulls' Front Office deems Giddey worthy of $150 million, restricted free agency allows the organization to play hardball. Beginning talks with $100 million over five years is the most logical way forward, but logic isn't always comforting, especially from the player's point of view.