In June 2024, the Chicago Bulls made their most significant trade of the last five years, sending Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. Giddey was 21 years old at the time of the deal and entering the final season of his contract. For Chicago, they were hoping to acquire their point guard of the future, and for Giddey, a chance at a fresh start with a new franchise after being benched during the Thunder's previous playoff run. During the 2024-25 season, despite a mediocre and inconsistent start to his tenure with the organization, the 6'8" Australian guard proved invaluable to the rebuild the Bulls are undergoing. Speculated contracts ranged from $20 million to $30 million annually, ranging from three to five seasons. Today, the team finally pulled the trigger on a decision for the future of the point guard position.
Giddey Inks 4-Year, $100 Million Extension With The Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are actively trying to find their newest superstar. The franchise's identity is entirely unknown after shipping away Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. While several young pieces have shown promise, it's a stretch to think that Coby White, Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, or Patrick Williams could soon be an All-NBA caliber player. The critical detail, and the one that the Bulls' front office has hung their hats on for the past three seasons, is that most of the roster is remarkably youthful. Currently, there's only one player over the age of 30, and only four over the age of 25. After this deal, Josh Giddey must become an All-Star-level talent if the team wants to progress with the rebuild.
Josh Giddey post All-Star break last season:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) September 9, 2025
21.2 PPG
10.7 RPG
9.3 APG
1.5 SPG
on 50/46/81% shooting. pic.twitter.com/4sxgHQqjmh
Chicago Bulls Outlook for 2025-26 Season
With their most crucial player signed for the next several seasons, the Bulls can now focus on developing talent. White, Giddey, Buzelis, and Williams must all improve significantly in consistency and efficiency to avoid yet another absence from the NBA Playoffs. Trading away Lonzo Ball earlier this summer proved that the franchise's leaders are looking beyond the next few years to a long-term project. Nikola Vucevic, a 34-year-old center, is likely the next asset to be traded. Here's the projected lineup for their season opener on October 22nd, 2025, against the Detroit Pistons.
PG: Josh Giddey
SG: Coby White
SF: Isaac Okoro
PF: Matas Buzelis
C: Nikola Vucevic
With the organization's decisions over the last 12 months, it's safe to assume this will be a step down from the prior season's finish. With any luck, they'll land a much more coveted draft slot in the 2026 NBA Draft and either trade for a solidified star or select a prospect with franchise-altering potential.
Does this regime continue to deserve the opportunity to turn this ship around, or is it time for Chicago to yet again scrap it all and reset the front office group?
