Chicago Bulls Weigh Josh Giddey Contract Amid Backcourt Uncertainty

The Chicago Bulls face a critical offseason decision regarding restricted free agent Josh Giddey, who has emerged as a key player following the midseason trade of Zach LaVine. Giddey, averaging strong stats with a notable surge post-trade, is expected to seek a significant contract extension, reportedly around $150 million over five years, a figure that poses salary cap challenges and strategic questions for the Bulls. While Giddey's playmaking and offensive impact are clear, concerns persist about his fit as a primary option and defensive limitations, complicating the team's long-term championship aspirations if they build around him. Speculation exists that the Bulls may not retain both Giddey and Coby White, with the possibility of moving one to manage roster and financial flexibility. The Bulls' potential drafting of a player with a skill set similar to Giddey adds ambiguity to his future, though the prevailing expectation is that they intend to keep him. Ultimately, Chicago must balance Giddey's value and contract demands against roster construction and competitive goals as they enter the 2025-2026 season.