Josh Giddey's $45 million contract fight with the Chicago Bulls: What's at stake

Josh Giddey, an Australian basketball star, is in a contract stand-off with the Chicago Bulls over a $45 million-a-season deal, while the Bulls are offering a four-year deal worth $30 million a season. NBL great Lanard Copeland believes the Bulls must sign Giddey, citing his value to the team and the risk of losing him to another team. Giddey's bid for a major increase comes amid the NBA's new two-apron tax system, which imposes financial and trade restrictions on teams that spend above certain levels.

Josh Giddey, a rising star in the NBA, is locked in a contract stand-off with the Chicago Bulls over a significant pay increase. The Australian guard, who was traded to the Bulls from the Oklahoma City Thunder, is seeking a $45 million-a-season deal, while the Bulls have offered a four-year contract worth $30 million per season [1]. This disagreement comes at a time when the NBA's new two-apron tax system has imposed financial and trade restrictions on teams spending above certain levels, making it a challenging market for restricted free agents like Giddey.

The Bulls' position is rooted in their desire to avoid the luxury tax, a stance that has been a hallmark of their operations under owner Jerry Reinsdorf. The team's financial constraints have made it difficult for them to meet Giddey's demands, but they remain confident in his value to the team. "The Bulls are not trading Giddey whatsoever, and they want him back," a team source confirmed [1].

Giddey's agent, Daniel Moldovan, and the Bulls have not yet commented on the ongoing negotiations. However, NBL great Lanard Copeland has weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of signing Giddey. "The fans fell in love with him. What he brings to the table, the Bulls cannot afford to let go," Copeland said, highlighting the risk of losing Giddey to another team [2].

The Warriors, a team that has shown interest in Giddey, are currently facing their own financial constraints. They are about $25 million below the first tax apron and have been exploring potential sign-and-trade deals to secure Giddey. However, a double sign-and-trade involving Giddey and Warriors' free agent small forward Jonathan Kuminga has been considered too complex and messy to pursue [1].

Giddey has until October 1 to decide whether to accept the Bulls' one-year qualifying offer of $17 million. This offer would allow him to have another strong season and potentially secure a better deal come unrestricted free agency after the 2025-26 season. However, it is uncertain whether Giddey will accept this offer, given his desire for a substantial pay increase.

The Bulls' stance on Giddey's contract negotiations is a reflection of their broader financial strategy. The team has been cautious about spending, aiming to avoid the luxury tax and maintain financial flexibility. This approach has been successful in the past, but it also carries the risk of losing key players like Giddey.

As the NBA off-season market continues to develop, it remains to be seen how this stand-off will play out. The Bulls have indicated that they consider Giddey a key part of their future, and they are likely to find middle ground to keep him on the team. However, the financial constraints imposed by the NBA's new two-apron tax system may make it challenging for both parties to reach a satisfactory agreement.

References:
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/chicagobulls/comments/1mnjx92/siegel_the_team_has_stood_firm_on_a_20_million/
[2] https://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/45-million-contract-fight-why-the-chicago-bulls-are-playing-hardball-with-josh-giddey-20250812-p5mmct.html