Introduction to the Deal
There is a number that can’t be ignored coming out of the Josh Giddey extension agreement this past week. In bringing Giddey back at a very reasonable four years, $100 million, the Bulls will be paying the starting point guard an average of just $7 million per year more than the once promising prospect that was forward Patrick Williams.
Analyzing the Contract
In Giddey’s case, executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas was working from a position of strength thanks to the league passing out the protein shakes this offseason. In the past, coveted restricted free agents like Giddey were an afterthought as far as an organization breaking the bank – and their backs – to re-sign them. Karnisovas would have caved much like he did in simply gifting Williams a five-year, $90-million extension last summer.
The Impact of the CBA
Thanks to the fear of the aprons thrown down in the last CBA, however, at least for now those days are over. Even weak-minded suits can puff out their chests. Giddey, along with Jonathan Kuminga, Cam Thomas and Quentin Grimes have found the negotiations difficult to say the least. So much so for Thomas he opted to hold up a middle finger and simply sign the qualifying offer of $6 million with the Nets, betting on himself and unrestricted free agency next summer.
The Win-Win Situation
That’s what makes the Giddey signing such a win for the Bulls. As the Sun-Times reported, both sides wanted a deal done since last season ended but had to go through the song and dance of the negotiation. Giddey gets security and is reminded just how much the Bulls appreciate his skillset while the Bulls get a point guard that posted 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game, while shooting a ridiculous 45.7% from three-point range post All-Star Break.
Point Guard Landscape
The main reason why is the bang for the buck the Bulls get with Giddey. As far as the point guard landscape of the Eastern Conference is concerned, Giddey’s talent is arguably in that seven to eight range. It starts at the top with Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson, who each have junkyard dog moments on a big playoff stage, and then throw the likes of Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, Tyler Herro, Darius Garland and Jalen Suggs out there. Giddey has the look and feel of a player that resides at the end of the street in this tier.
Comparison with Other Point Guards
Cunningham, Maxey and Garland have done more and were never benched in a key playoff series, while Herro again showed last April in a play-in game that he can take the likes of Coby White and Giddey to the woodshed whenever he wants. There’s a debate with Suggs vs. Giddey, but it’s very likely that Suggs can put on a Bulls uniform and seamlessly succeed with his defensive mindset and athletic ability, while Giddey would struggle in the defensive-minded Magic culture.
Value for Money
What should allow the Bulls to sleep very well at night? LaMelo Ball ($40 million) and Trae Young ($48 million) each breaking the bank for the 2026-27 season with very little to show the last few years. Giddey has his critics, but no one would call him an unserious basketball player. Ball and Young? They are highlights with very little winning substance.
Conclusion
That’s why Karnisovas can feel good about his latest deal. Now, as far as that Patrick Williams contract, it’s a reminder that not all deals are created equal, and the Bulls might have gotten lucky with Giddey’s extension.
FAQs
Q: How much is Josh Giddey’s extension worth?
A: Josh Giddey’s extension is worth $100 million over four years.
Q: How does Giddey’s contract compare to other point guards in the Eastern Conference?
A: Giddey’s talent is arguably in the seven to eight range among point guards in the Eastern Conference, with players like Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Brunson at the top.
Q: What makes Giddey’s signing a win for the Bulls?
A: The signing is a win for the Bulls because they get a talented point guard at a reasonable price, and Giddey gets security and appreciation for his skillset.
Q: How does Giddey’s contract compare to other players like LaMelo Ball and Trae Young?
A: Giddey’s contract is more valuable because he is a more serious basketball player with a stronger work ethic, whereas Ball and Young have broken the bank with less to show for it.
