Josh Giddey might be close to signing a huge new contract as the Aussie player keeps shining on the basketball court for the team. Chicago Bulls .
The individual, who is 22 years old, has a current four-year deal totaling approximately $42 million AUD. However, they might see a significant increase in their remuneration when the next offseason rolls around.
Since the All-Star break, Giddey has been playing for the Bulls, strengthening his bid to secure the role of the team's starting point guard.
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Up until now this season, Giddey has recorded four successive 20-point double-doubles, with averages of 13.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.
From February to March, the promising player has boosted his average score to 23.1 points, achieving a successful three-point shot rate of 52.5 percent.
Giddey didn't get a new contract from the Bulls before the NBA's deadline for extending rookie deals towards the end of last year. This means he'll turn into a restricted free agent once the present season wraps up.
Even without getting an extension, it’s been mentioned that Giddey might still stay with the Bulls for the upcoming season since the team retains the right to counter any proposal made to him once he becomes available in the free agent market.
Veteran NBA reporter Brian Windhorst expects that the Bulls plan to offer Giddey a contract worth $47 million AUD annually – which would be an improvement over his present agreement.
Windhorst stated to ESPN that this is exactly the type of performance he anticipated from him throughout the entire season.
His part has been somewhat restricted. Following the trades, they have expanded his role, showcasing what kind of player he can truly become. A starting point guard in the NBA typically commands about thirty million dollars (USD)... and he holds down that position for them.
If we consider someone like Immanuel Quickley, he received a contract for five years worth of $162 million USD ($257 million AUD), which equates to approximately $32 million USD ($50.8 million AUD) per annum.
Josh Giddey must be looking forward to something along those lines.
Windhorst pointed out that Giddey is not as much of a scorer as Quickley, so he might reasonably anticipate receiving an offer of somewhat lower value.
However, the primary concern for the Bulls revolves around whether they will offer Giddey a one-year contract with the intention of having him play under a longer-term agreement later on.
Should the club opt for that choice extending into the upcoming season, he would commence negotiations as someone not bound by any restrictions.
Considering the team spent a significant amount to secure Giddey instead of Alex Caruso, Windhorst thinks that a fresh agreement would be logical for the Bulls.
He mentioned that if they view Giddey as their future point guard — which is why they traded Alex Caruso — then he anticipates they will aim to invest in him.
Last year, the circumstances were identical for Patrick Williams who was part of their squad. At that time, he was a restricted free agent. On July 1st, they secured his position by signing him to a five-year deal.
"I expect them to try do something with Giddey, but it has been puzzling why they kept his role narrow early on.
I'm placing my bets on Josh Giddey and wagering that he'll secure a lengthy contract, regardless of whether it happens this year or if he needs to wait until next year when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
