Negotiations between Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls are ongoing, but league insiders indicate the 22-year-old guard is not expected to secure the $30 million per year salary his camp has been seeking.
Bulls insider K.C. Johnson reported this week that the franchise has never floated that figure during talks. “I have never heard the Bulls mention that number,” Johnson said, adding he does not expect Giddey to sign a $30 million annual deal.
Giddey, who was acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder last summer in exchange for Alex Caruso, delivered a strong finish to his first season in Chicago. He averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists while shooting 46.5 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three.
The Australian playmaker also joined Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen as the only Bulls players to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists in a season. His seven triple-doubles during the 2024–25 campaign further underscored his versatility.
After extending an $11.14 million qualifying offer last month, the Bulls ensured Giddey remains a restricted free agent, allowing them to match any outside offers. To date, no competing bids or sign-and-trade proposals have been reported.
According to Joe Cowley, Giddey’s camp has been using Jalen Suggs’ recent five-year, $150 million deal with Orlando as a benchmark, holding firm in pursuit of a similar contract. Cowley described the situation as “good dialogue” but noted that “posturing continues” between the sides.
Despite the gap between Chicago’s internal projections and Giddey’s target figure, sources familiar with the negotiations said there are no significant obstacles preventing an eventual agreement.
The Bulls, who finished ninth in the Eastern Conference at 39–43, are intent on building around Giddey as part of their youth-driven rebuild. The coming weeks are expected to clarify whether the two sides can bridge the financial divide.
