Josh Giddey remains steadfast in his pursuit of a $30 million annual salary as negotiations with the Chicago Bulls progress.
Joe Cowley underscored the stalemate in a tweet, noting, “Bulls and Josh Giddey are having good dialogue, per a source, but the Giddey camp is dug in on the Suggs contract — $30 million per. Let the posturing continue.”
The 22-year-old guard is aiming for a five-year, $150 million contract, mirroring the extension Jalen Suggs recently secured with the Orlando Magic. Giddey’s camp is reportedly unwilling to settle for a figure below that benchmark.
Chicago acquired the Australian playmaker from the Oklahoma City Thunder last summer in exchange for defensive standout Alex Caruso. After an inconsistent start, Giddey delivered a strong finish, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists on 46.5% shooting from the field and 37.8% from beyond the arc.
Giddey also etched his name in Bulls history by joining Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen as the only players in franchise history to tally at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists in a single season. His seven triple-doubles in 2024–25 highlighted his all-around contributions.
The Bulls extended a $11.14 million qualifying offer last month, officially making him a restricted free agent. This allows Chicago to match any contract Giddey might sign elsewhere, although no serious external offers or sign-and-trade discussions have surfaced to date.
Both sides are reportedly ironing out the details, with sources saying no major hurdles have emerged despite the gap between the Bulls’ initial figures and Giddey’s target number.
Chicago, which finished ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 39–43 record, is looking to solidify a younger core around Giddey as it moves into the next phase of its roster rebuild.
