Josh Giddey's contract with the Chicago Bulls leaves some space for the fans to ponder. People know that there's an ongoing negotiation between the two, but the team is also considering if his performance will be for the long term.

Bulls' New Offer to Giddey

NBA Trade Rumors: Chicago Bulls Raise Contract Offer to Josh NBA Trade Rumors: Chicago Bulls Raise Contract Offer to Josh
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The Bulls have raised their offer to Giddey to a four-year, $88 million contract, ESPN's Bobby Marks has reported.

This follows NBA insider Jake Fischer's reporting that Chicago originally offered $80 million over four years. The increase could mean the club's desire to retain him, but still falls shy of Giddey's camp's desires, which are in the vicinity of $30 million per year.

Where Giddey's Contract Stands Among NBA Point Guards

If Giddey takes the offer, he would be paid an average of $22 million annually, just 25th among starting point guards. That puts him between Terry Rozier's $24.1 million and Collin Sexton's $17.7 million salary, making Giddey one of the lowest-paid starters at his position, even with his ceiling.

Giddey's Performance and Development

The 22-year-old guard has previously been criticized, most notably during the 2024 playoffs, where his poor defense and unreliable shooting hindered his minutes for the Oklahoma City Thunder. But Josh Giddey continues to improve since arriving in Chicago.

Last year, he made a career-high 37.8% from three-point territory, a huge improvement over his 31% career mark in Oklahoma City. He closed the season strong, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists in his last 19 starts. Overall on the season, Giddey averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game in 70 games.

Bulls' Negotiation Leverage

Despite Giddey's potential, the Bulls are in an advantageous position. With so few clubs possessing cap space to make a competing offer sheet, Giddey has few alternatives. Brooklyn's Cam Thomas just signed for a one-year qualifying offer of $6 million in comparable circumstances.

For Giddey, taking his $11.1 million qualifying offer on the table continues as an option, allowing him the potential to become an unrestricted free agent next July. It would be a gamble, but it could set him up for a bigger payday in the future if he keeps improving, according to Bleacher Report.

The deadline for restricted free agents to sign qualifying offers is Oct. 1, though the NBA allows extensions if needed. With both sides standing firm, the coming weeks will determine whether Giddey commits to Chicago long-term or bets on himself in free agency.

Giddey is both a risk and a possible foundation for the Bulls. It's a hit or miss for the young guard.