The Chicago Bulls have had a relatively quiet offseason. Recently, they traded Alonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Isaac Okoro, which raised eyebrows given their history of questionable trades. They also selected Noa Essengue with the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a decision that, while not thrilling, could bear fruit in the future.

Notably absent from the Bulls’ activities is an agreement with restricted free agent Josh Giddey. Giddey, acquired in the controversial trade of Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder, is reportedly aiming for a contract in the vicinity of $30 million annually, akin to Jalen Suggs’s deal with the Orlando Magic.

While the lack of a finalized deal is surprising, it appears to reflect the Bulls’ strategy of negotiating prudently rather than rushing into costly commitments. Giddey, who has shown flashes of potential, could return for the last season of his current $11 million contract next year if the two sides can’t agree this summer. However, both parties reportedly remain engaged in positive discussions with hopes of finalizing terms that reflect Giddey’s value without straining the Bulls’ cap space.

The Bulls’ future hinges on players like Giddey, and negotiating this contract carefully will be a defining moment for their roster’s direction. With Giddey at a mere 22 years old, he epitomizes the potential for growth. A successful development trajectory complemented by prudent financial management could potentially revitalize the Bulls’ standing in the increasingly competitive NBA landscape.