Josh Giddey is one of the most interesting free agents available.
His future with the Chicago Bulls relies on contract negotiations that have reached a halt.
Young security guards reportedly want about $30 million a year. Josh Giddy’s performance improvements last season provide substantial justification for the demand.
Giddey showed significant improvements in Chicago, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists last season. His enhanced production came after director Billy Donovan enhanced his role.
The Bulls have made Giddey the main ball handler, especially after swapping Zack Lavine for Sacramento. Increased responsibility allowed him to showcase his playmaking abilities.
However, NBA insider Tim MacMahon has questioned whether Giddey’s skill set will lead to team success. He believes there is a ceiling when constructing around Giddy as a major facilitator.
“Josh Giddy, you need to be the primary ball handler to be productive. Now the Bulls and he are in a situation where it becomes his role,” McMahon said.
“Now, what’s the ceiling of the team where Josh Giddy is your main ball handler? I think there’s a ceiling there. But all of this, it’s not just something that’s been discovered,” he added.
The Bulls’ negotiating position stems from their suspicious trade decisions. Chicago sent Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City without receiving the draft pick and bought Giddy.
MacMahon highlighted the problematic nature of its trading. The straight trade suggests how well the Bulls value Giddy.
“When you swapped Alex Caruso straight, you didn’t know this. Anyone who knew anything about the NBA said, “Hold on, did they get nothing pick in that deal and the Bulls didn’t get a pick?” McMahon questioned.
“If you cherish him straight, how are you going to tell him that Alex Caruso has swapped him straight for him and that he doesn’t value him that much during the contract negotiations?” he continued.
Trade Logic is currently playing against Chicago in contract debate. They essentially established the value of Giddy through their willingness to let go of Caruso.
The Bulls face challenging roster situations that complicate their decisions. They traded Lonzoballs for the Cleveland Cavaliers, creating a critical need for point guard depth.
Kawamura Shinki was impressed by the league’s actions in the summer, but relying on him as a major option takes a considerable risk. His level of performance against the NBA competition is uncertain.
If Giddey leaves, Chicago will need to find another reliable point guard option. The free agent market doesn’t offer many attractive alternatives at reasonable prices.
The Bulls have to decide whether paying Giddy’s asking price is worth avoiding the bigger roster hole. Their limited options may force them to meet his financial expectations despite concerns about his ceiling.