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Bulls rumors: Chicago, Josh Giddey still ‘far apart’ in contract stalemate
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- Bulls rumors: Chicago, Josh Giddey still ‘far apart’ in contract stalemate
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The post Bulls rumors: Chicago, Josh Giddey still 'far apart' in contract stalemate appeared first on ClutchPoints .
The Chicago Bulls find themselves in a delicate dance with restricted free agent Josh Giddey , as contract extension negotiations between the two sides remain far apart , according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. While some reports have painted a more optimistic picture of discussions for Chicago , a free agency resolution appears to be anything but imminent for Giddey and the Bulls .
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Giddey, who averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in his debut season with the Bulls, has emerged as a central figure in Chicago's ongoing rebuild. The 22-year-old playmaker also shot a career-best 37.8% from beyond the arc, showing encouraging growth under head coach Billy Donovan. As such, re-signing Giddey is viewed internally as a high priority.
Still, financial expectations have complicated matters. Multiple sources report that Giddey's camp is holding firm to a $30 million per year asking price. The Bulls, meanwhile, are reportedly offering something closer to $20 million annually, creating a significant gap that both sides have yet to bridge.
The negotiations between the Bulls and Josh Giddey will hopefully end soon
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The standoff recalls Chicago's 2021 negotiations with Lauri Markkanen , which dragged on for weeks before a sign-and-trade materialized in late August. Once again, the Bulls appear content to let the restricted free agency market play out in their favor, especially in a summer where few teams have cap space to make a competitive offer.
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Giddey's visible absence from the Bulls' first two Summer League games only added to speculation. While several teammates, including Coby White and Patrick Williams , sat courtside, Giddey stayed away from the spotlight. As Fischer noted, that silence may suggest that contract talks have hit a snag.
Ultimately, the Bulls' leverage in the current market and Giddey's desire for a long-term role in Chicago make a deal likely, but not guaranteed. Until the price tag comes down or the Bulls up their offer, the standoff continues.
Related: NBA rumor: Jonathan Kuminga wanted Bulls to show more interest in sign-and-trade
Related: Yuki Kawamura reveals how he's getting comfortable with Bulls
