The Chicago Bulls made one of the most shocking offseason trades when they sent Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City for Josh Giddey. When it was announced fans were wondering what draft capital Chicago got with Giddey, but the answer was a disappointing zero. The Bulls received plenty of criticism, especially for acquiring Giddey after he was played off the floor in the playoffs.
The Bulls turned down multiple offers for Caruso at the 2024 trade deadline, including one featuring a top-ten draft pick. Chicago clearly believed in Giddey being a long-term piece, but things are quickly trending in the wrong direction.
The two sides could not agree on an extension, despite the team’s interest. Giddey will be a restricted free agent after this season, and the Bulls must find a number that works for both sides. That will be more difficult given the 6’8 guard’s recent play.
Bulls trade for Josh Giddey looks worse as playing time shrinks
The 22-year-old has started each of the first 14 games to begin the season, but his playing time is decreasing. He has averaged just 25.5 minutes per contest over the last seven. Giddey has not been in the closing lineup in the last five games and appears to be falling down the Bulls’ crowded depth chart in the backcourt.
Chicago has struggled with him on the floor. They have a 109.8 offensive rating and a 123.9 defensive for an eye-popping negative-14.1 net rating. Dalen Terry is the only player with a worse net rating on the Bulls, and Giddey's defensive number is the worst of any player in the team’s regular rotation.
Giddey’s lack of shooting and defense forced the Thunder to bench him in the playoffs. The 6’8 guard is best with the ball in his hands but has made 37.3 percent of his 51 long-range attempts to begin this season. It has been his defense that has forced the 22-year-old to the bench. Giddey knows he must improve, and it looks even worse after the Bulls gave up one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA to get him.
Alex Caruso is an elite role player willing to do the little things to help his team win. The Bulls had several trade offers that could have bolstered a retool by getting multiple young talents to Chicago. The franchise chose Josh Giddey, but he looks far from the answer to begin this season. The 22-year-old is not even in the team’s closing lineup. How is he supposed to be part of the Bulls’ turnaround, especially when he could not stick in a playoff rotation six months ago?
This trade is looking like a disaster for the Chicago Bulls, but do not completely count Josh Giddey. He is years away from his peak but must make significant improvements for this to look up for the Bulls. There is still hope, even if it is fading fast.