Rewind to June 2024. The Chicago Bulls traded two-time All-NBA Defensive Team guard Alex Caruso to the reigning Western Conference champion Oklahoma City in exchange for Josh Giddey.
Prior to being dealt, Giddey had just averaged 6.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in the Western Conference Semifinals. The Australian guard was almost unplayable in the postseason defeat at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks. Without the ball in his hands, Giddey's weaknesses were exposed. Thus, the end of his tenure with the Thunder was evident. His fit proved to be incompatible alongside fellow guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams in Oklahoma City.
The Bulls gave up a lot to acquire Josh Giddey
Despite Giddey being clearly on the way out, even having requested a trade, the Bulls sent perhaps the most valuable perimeter player in the association to acquire the distressed guard. The trade was lopsided, sure, but Chicago made the right move. Caruso was 30 years old at the time and no longer an essential part of the Bulls. On the other hand, the Bulls needed a primary ball handler.
Chicago's return on investment was rewarding. Giddey averaged a career-high in rebounds, assists, steals, three-pointers, and free throws. Moreover, he shot 37.8 percent from long range—a vast improvement from the 33.7 percent mark he shot in his final season with the Thunder.
Consequently, the Bulls would re-sign the 6-foot-8 floor general to a long-term deal, right? Well… not exactly. Chicago has reportedly offered Giddey a shiny new contract, but it's well below his asking price. The Bulls are stuck at $20 million per annum, while Giddey's camp is seeking $30 million annually.
A resolution doesn't appear to be on the peripheral, yet it's widely anticipated that both parties will come to an agreement before the end of summer. Still, it's fair to ponder whether Chicago's game of hardball is leading to a strained relationship with the player they gave up so much to acquire.
Chicago risks deteriorating its relationship with Giddey
At least according to ESPN, the Bulls are making the right decision in playing out Giddey's restricted free agency. While discussing Giddey's endeavors, Jamal Collier wrote, "With cap space scarce across the league, especially for restricted free agents, the Bulls have benefited from holding out for a more team-friendly deal."
While Collier's statement is every bit true, drawing out a contract extension isn't a good look. Fellow restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga's relationship with the Golden State Warriors has all but deteriorated and things don't seem to be peachy between Cam Thomas and the Brooklyn Nets.
Tensions aren't necessarily high between Giddey and the Bulls, but that doesn't mean they can't get there. In a worst-case scenario, if Giddey rebuffs Chicago's offers and instead signs the qualifying offer, there's a very real chance the Bulls lose Giddey for nothing come next offseason. It's quite the dangerous game.