Josh Giddey Reportedly Eyed by Teams for Sign-and-Trade But Bulls Aren't Eager to Talk
The Chicago Bulls have reportedly received interest from opposing teams regarding restricted free agent Josh Giddey, but aren't actively looking to discuss deals.
"Sources say Giddey has managed to attract some external interest from rival teams since free agency began, with multiple Eastern Conference teams contacting Giddey's representation to register sign-and-trade interest," NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Sunday. "Yet it's likewise true that more than one rival front office has indicated a reluctance to try to engage the Bulls in sign-and-trade discussions, sources say, with Chicago having messaged for some time that it is not eager to discuss such scenarios."
Per Fischer, the Bulls have offered Giddey a contract worth $20 million per year over four years but the 22-year-old is seeking an annual salary "in the $30 million range."
In a July poll of 16 NBA executives conducted by Fred Katz and Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic, 14 proposed an average salary between $20 million and $25 million per year for Giddey.
A trade doesn't seem to be an impending resolution, especially given Chicago's reported negotiation style. The Bulls have been "generally known over the past few years as a team that can be challenging to talk trade with," per Fischer.
As for Giddey, he's coming off his first season with Chicago after the team acquired him in a June 2024 swap with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Bulls sent Alex Caruso to the Thunder in return.
Giddey averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game last season. He shot 46.5 percent from the field and a career-high 37.8 percent from behind the arc.
The former lottery pick particularly excelled after the All-Star break, recording 21.2 points and 10.7 rebounds per game on 50.0/45.7/80.9 shooting splits.
While the Bulls finished with an overall record of 39-43 during their 2024-25 campaign, Giddey's strong performances often coincided with the team's success. Chicago owned an impressive 11-5 mark in the 16 games that he scored at least 20 points last season.
Both sides still seem to be apart in contract negotiations, though.
