The Chicago Bulls have officially put their faith in Josh Giddey. The 22-year-old Australian guard has agreed to a staggering four-year, $100 million contract, fully guaranteed, that keeps him at the heart of the Bulls rebuild.
From Trade Gamble to Franchise Cornerstone
When the Bulls traded Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City in 2024 to bring Giddey to Chicago, eyebrows were raised. Caruso was a fan favorite and a defensive leader, while Giddey was seen as a player with promise but lingering questions about consistency. A year later, the deal looks like a masterstroke.
Giddey flourished in his first season in Chicago, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists while improving his three-point shooting to nearly 38%. His all-around game translated into seven triple-doubles, the second most in a single season in Bulls history, behind only Michael Jordan’s legendary 1988-89 campaign.
The Post-LaVine Breakout
Everything shifted after the Bulls traded Zach LaVine midseason. With the offense in his hands, Giddey elevated his play to star level, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists on 50% shooting after the All-Star break. His 46% accuracy from beyond the arc silenced critics who doubted his perimeter game.
On March 22 against the Lakers, Giddey made NBA history, becoming the first player ever to record at least 15 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds, and eight steals in a single game. Even with a muscle tear in his shooting hand, he carried the Bulls through a 15-5 finish that secured them a play-in berth.
Bulls Fans See a New Era
For Chicago fans, who have endured years of mediocrity since the Derrick Rose era, Giddey’s rise feels like the start of something hopeful. Social media lit up after news of the contract extension broke, with Bulls supporters celebrating the decision to lock in their young playmaker. Some compared him to a “modern-day Scottie Pippen” for his versatility, while others pointed out his rare ability to control the pace of a game at just 22 years old.
Giddey’s Journey and What’s Next
Drafted sixth overall in 2021 by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Giddey quickly made waves as the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double. Now, four years later, he’s stepping into a leadership role on one of basketball’s most well known franchises.
The Bulls’ $100 million investment signals their belief that Giddey can be the foundation of a team looking to reestablish itself in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, and hopefully bring back a title. With Zach LaVine gone and DeMar DeRozan in the twilight of his career, Giddey isn’t just the point guard of today—he’s the future of the Chicago Bulls.
Source: ESPN Africa
Featured Image Source: Bleacher Reportt on X
