Warriors Reportedly Interested in Bulls' Josh Giddey Trade, Won't Give Up Hield, Moody

The Golden State Warriors aren't prepared to send Buddy Hield or Moses Moody to the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade for restricted free agent Josh Giddey, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.

The Warriors have their own protracted RFA saga ongoing with Jonathan Kuminga. Swapping Kuminga for Giddey would allow Golden State and Chicago to kill two birds with one stone.

Fischer reported the Warriors' stances on Hield and Moody represents a roadblock to that resolution, though.

"Golden State values both players quite highly, sources say, while maintaining high expectations for both Hield and Moody to be consistent contributors who prove reliable in providing the necessary spacing to boost the Warriors' half-court offense in the postseason," Fischer said.

"The Warriors' refusal to entertain the prospect of surrendering Hield or Moody in those circumstances are among the prime reasons that it's difficult to envision Golden State and Chicago ever finding common ground on a sign-and-trade construction that features Kuminga and Giddey switching teams."

Fischer added that Golden State has a "genuine" interest in Giddey and said as much to his representation.

Still, Giddey's free agency status is hampering a move to the Warriors or any other team. Chicago can match any offer sheet he signs, and it's tough for another suitor to put such an overwhelming amount on the table that his current team walks away. The Brooklyn Nets are only team with positive salary cap space.

Any sign-and-trade formula is equally difficult. According to Fischer, Chicago has indicated "for some time that it is not eager to discuss such scenarios."

For the Warriors, Giddey would be another playmaker who can help to ease the burden on franchise cornerstone Stephen Curry. His multifaceted skill set also probably makes him a better fit than Kuminga, who's eager to get a bigger role at this stage of his career.

Alas, this appears to be a pipe dream ahead of the 2025-26 season.

If Giddey is determined to wind up in the Bay Area, he could accept a one-year qualifying offer and hit unrestricted free agency next summer. Golden State won't have much more flexibility by that point, though, when Curry and Jimmy Butler combine to make $119.4 million. Draymond Green has a $27.7 million player option as well.

Absent the Bulls changing their approach or the Warriors making Hield/Moody available, Golden State may have to wave the white flag on Giddey.