Take a Chance on Him: Australian Sensation Josh Giddey Poised for Major NBA Salary Boost

Josh Giddey appears poised to secure a significant new contract as the Australian talent continues to shine on the court for the Chicago Bulls.

The 22-year-old currently holds a four-year deal valued at approximately $42 million AUD, but an impressive off-season pay rise may be on the horizon.

Since the All-Star break, Giddey has been outstanding for the Bulls, making a strong case for the starting point guard position.

This season, he has achieved four consecutive double-doubles, each with over 20 points, posting averages of 13.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.

During February and March, the young star has elevated his scoring average to 23.1 points, shooting an impressive 52.5 per cent from beyond the arc.

Notably, Giddey did not receive a contract extension from the Bulls ahead of last year’s NBA rookie contract deadline, which means he will enter restricted free agency at the conclusion of the current season.

Although he didn’t secure an extension, reports suggest that Giddey may still stay with the Bulls next season, as the team holds the right to match any offers he receives when he enters the open market.

Veteran NBA journalist Brian Windhorst expects that the Bulls will aim to retain Giddey with a deal worth around $47 million AUD per season, representing a significant increase from his current contract.

“This is the kind of performance I anticipated he would deliver all year,” Windhorst stated on ESPN.

“His role was somewhat restrained. Following recent trades, they’ve expanded his role, which showcases his true potential. The market rate for a starting point guard in the NBA hovers around 30 million dollars (USD), and he is their starting choice.”

“If you consider a player like Immanuel Quickley, he secured a five-year deal worth $162 million ($257 million AUD) – that’s around $32 million ($50.8 million AUD) per year.”

“I’m sure Josh Giddey is aiming for something along those lines.”

Windhorst pointed out that Giddey isn’t quite the scorer that Quickley is and should thus anticipate a contract of slightly lesser value.

However, the primary consideration for the Bulls is whether they will offer Giddey a one-year deal, compelling him to play for a long-term contract.

If the team opts for this route into the next season, it could result in him negotiating as an unrestricted free agent.

Considering the significant investment required to acquire Giddey at the expense of Alex Caruso, Windhorst believes it would be sensible for the Bulls to negotiate a new deal.

“If the Bulls view Giddey as their point guard for the future—having traded Alex Caruso for him—then I anticipate they will make an effort to invest in him,” he commented.

“Last year, they faced a similar situation with Patrick Williams. He was also a restricted free agent, and they signed him to a five-year deal on July 1st.”

“I expect they’ll try to do something similar with Giddey, though it is intriguing why they initially restricted his role.”

“I’m backing Josh Giddey to secure a lengthy contract, whether that happens this year or if he must wait another year to become an unrestricted free agent.”