Bulls receive stern Josh Giddey warning amid rampant trade rumors

Heading into the NBA offseason, Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey was viewed as a prime trade candidate, especially with new top executive Bryson Graham taking over in the Windy City.

Giddey doesn’t seem to fit Graham’s style of strong, versatile defensive players, so the general consensus was that the Bulls would at least attempt to move the 23-year-old. But trade chatter around Giddey has largely subsided.

The Minnesota Timberwolves were rumored to be interested in the Australian star, but they just swung a blockbuster deal to acquire LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets, which rules them out as a destination for Giddey. The NBA Draft has also already come and gone, so it’s not like Chicago would be able to nab instant draft choices from other teams, either.

At this point, it’s looking more and more likely that Giddey will enter the 2026-27 campaign in a Bulls uniform. That could change by the trade deadline, of course, but for now, Chicago seems prepared to hold on to him.

In fact, Bleacher Report’s Erik Beaston fired a warning to the Bulls in this regard, urging them not to jettison Giddey this summer.

Chicago Bulls receive strong Josh Giddey trade warning

Giddey is on a four-year, $100 million contract that runs through 2029, which is actually a pretty team-friendly deal for Chicago.

Beaston feels the simplicity of Giddey’s pact should make the Bulls feel a lot more comfortable with free agency on the horizon.

“Even with a cap hit of $25 million, the Bulls will have enough space to acquire free agents and build around Giddey without worrying that they need to shed payroll,” Beaston wrote. “Unless new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham can get an astronomical haul in return for the Australian player, one that would forever change the fortunes of the team for the better, keeping him to pair with first-round draft picks Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain is not only the right option, it is the only one.”

Giddey played in 54 games this past season, averaging 17 points, 9.1 assists and 8.3 rebounds over 32.1 minutes a night on 44.8/36.4/76.3 shooting splits. His numbers dipped as the campaign progressed, but he also dealt with some nagging injury issues that kept him sidelined for quite a bit of time.

Chicago acquired Giddey in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder back in June 2024, sending Alex Caruso to the Thunder in return.

Giddey is certainly not a top option on a championship contender, but he is a terrific supporting piece who could ultimately comprise an impressive trio with Wilson and Swain moving forward.

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