Josh Giddey ankle surgery update puts early twist on Bulls’ offseason as trade rumors emerge

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Benedetto Vitale, ClutchPoints

Wed, May 13, 2026 at 4:21 PM UTC ·

2 min read

Josh Giddey ankle surgery update puts early twist on Bulls’ offseason as trade rumors emerge appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

While the Chicago Bulls had a tough 2025-26 season, it turned out to be a career year for Josh Giddey , and his name has recently been popping up in the rumor mill as a possible trade candidate. However, things took a turn on Wednesday, as his latest update revealed his currently recovering from ankle surgery.

The Bulls announced on social media that the 23-year-old guard is recovering from right ankle arthroscopy . His recovery process is three months, which means he will be back to regular basketball activities by August.

“Medical Update: Josh Giddey recently underwent a successful right ankle arthroscopy,” reported the Bulls. “Giddey is scheduled to start basketball activities in approximately three months and is expected to return for the start of training camp.”

With Giddey in recovery for the next three months, that may hinder the trade rumors involving the five-year veteran. Josh Giddey became a potential trade candidate after the Bulls hired Bryson Graham as the new Executive Vice President. Other teams may still be interested in trading for Giddey, but the injury could change his trade value, or even force some organizations to go in a different direction altogether.

Additionally, in Brett Siegel’s latest intel about the 2026 NBA Draft, he hinted at the idea of Giddey being a trade candidate with the Bulls, with Graham leading the way in the front office. Siegel claims that Giddey is not the type of player Graham was referencing during a press conference, and that a change at point guard could be made via trade.

“The question for the Bulls is not about drafting [Caleb] Wilson or whatever other top-four-rated prospect falls their way, but what the future holds for Josh Giddey,” said Siegel. “He is not the type of player Graham described during his press conference, and a strong rebuild always starts with the point guard position. Keep a close eye on the next several weeks regarding Giddey’s future in Chicago.”

From the sounds of it, the Bulls have some tough decisions to make regarding rebuilding the roster. Josh Giddey should be viewed as a trade option, but his surgery update certainly changes things for the organization.