As we draw closer to the new season, it is evident that the Chicago Bulls are heading into more of a rebuilding stage. The team’s roster has been depleted by the departure of key players like DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, and Andre Drummond. However, they have also acquired new talent like former Thunder guard Josh Giddey.
Averting Key Missteps in the Bulls’ Rebuild Strategy
Enter Josh Giddey
In his final season with the Thunder, Giddey had a reduced role as the team became a strong championship contender. Significantly, he faced challenges on defense and frequently found himself benched in the postseason. This resulted in him being traded to the Bulls in return for All-Defensive guard Caruso.
Giddey and fellow members of the 2021 NBA draft class can sign contract extensions by October 21st, right before the season starts. If they choose not to sign extensions, they will become restricted free agents in 2025 summer. Up to now, standout players such as Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, and Franz Wagner have finalized maximum rookie contracts. Each of these total around $225 million for a span of five years.
Is It Advisable for the Bulls to Give Giddey a Contract Extension?
Extending Giddey before the season begins could prove to be a major mistake. Although Giddey can sign an extension, he probably won’t get a deal as lucrative as some other players from his draft class. As the Bulls prepare for the upcoming season, Giddey is anticipated to have a crucial impact on the team’s future.
He is considered a key member of a group that consists of Coby White, Patrick Williams, Ayo Dosunmu, and Matas Buzelis. With experienced players such as Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic likely leaving soon, Giddey is expected to have many chances to play. Since the Bulls are predicted to have difficulties in the upcoming season, Giddey may more opportunities.
It was important for the Bulls to benefit from the Caruso trade. Still, making a decision on Giddey’s contract before assessing his compatibility with the team would not be wise. It’s important to watch Giddey’s interactions with White, Williams, and Buzelis to establish his position in the revamped Bulls team. If he manages to solidify his position and enhance his performance on offense and defense, he may warrant a bigger deal the following summer.
Strategic Factors to be Considered by the Bulls’ Management
Postponing a contract renewal for Giddey is crucial. Not only for the team’s plans, but also for Arturas Karnisovas, the executive vice president of basketball operations. Following the exchange that moved Caruso to the Thunder in exchange for Giddey, numerous fans showed their disappointment. Karnisovas defended the decision in reaction to the criticism.
Giddey’s output has been consistent for the past three years, and there is potential for further development. Arriving in Chicago will give him the opportunity to demonstrate his playmaking skills and elevate the performance of his teammates. Karnisovas stated that it would be more advantageous to trade for Giddey, a promising young player, rather than obtaining draft picks. Yet, should Giddey be offered a contract extension but then underperforms, it may result in negative consequences for both him and Karnisovas, who also received an extension recently. Karnisovas’s future with the organization could be affected by signing Giddey early. It is important to evaluate Giddey’s performance beforehand.
To sum it up, the Bulls face a pivotal decision regarding Josh Giddey’s future. The best course of action is to wait and see how he fits into the team before committing to a long-term deal.
