Josh Giddey’s contract negotiations continue to drag on. Both the playmaking guard and the Chicago Bulls appear to be at a standoff in their valuations.
According to NBA Insider Jake Fischer, who was speaking via a recent Bleacher Report live stream, Chicago and Giddey are still $10 million apart in their negotiating prices. Therefore, Fischer doesn’t expect a resolution to be found “anytime soon.”
“We’re almost in August, but there’s really no rush on any of these teams or players’ side of things if you’re not moving these conversations closer to where you want to be,” Fischer said. “The last we reported on The Stein Line was that Josh Giddey’s side was still more anchored around $30 million AAV, and Chicago was more anchored around 20.”
Fischer continued.
“So, why not take all the time you need to get those ballparks or those field goal posts closer? I don’t really see a conclusion coming anytime soon. Also, I do not anticipate a [sign-and-trade] happening. And, I do think Josh Giddey is going to be going back to Chicago no matter what, but figuring out those terms will be tricky.”
The good news is, Fischer still sees the Bulls and Giddey figuring things out and continuing their partnership together. However, the longer these negotiations go, the more concerned Bulls fans will likely become.
Bulls Want to Get a Deal Over The Line
When speaking to Keith Smith of Spotrac, an anonymous front office executive spoke glowingly of what Giddey brings to the roster. They also reiterated the teamâs desire to get an agreement in place with the playmaking guard.
âWe want to get a deal done with Josh,â The executive said. âHeâs as important of a player as we have. We see him as a foundational player for us. I hope we can find a deal that makes sense for us and him and that weâll be together for a long time.â
In 70 games for Billy Donovanâs team last season, Giddey averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists on 46.5% shooting from the field and 37.8% shooting from deep. He has proven himself to be a valuable part of Chicago’s rebuilding process.
Giddeyâs Camp Standing Firm on Asking Price
According to a July 17 report from NBA Insider Jake Fischer, Giddeyâs camp âhas not waveredâ in their asking price of $30 million per season.
âBack to Giddey and the Bulls: Chicagoâs front office has no shortage of experience when it comes to waiting out a restricted free agency market,â Fischer reported. âThis time, Giddeyâs representation has not wavered in its pursuit of a $30 million annual salary, sources say, while the Bullsâ offers have been much closer to $20 million.â
Sooner or later, both sides will need to find a middle ground that makes sense for everyone involved. Given the lack of interest in Giddey from elsewhere in the NBA, that projects to be the most likely option. However, both sides may choose to play the long game. After all, we’re still months away from the new NBA season, so there’s no need to rush into anything.
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