Why Josh Giddey Might Be Chicago Bulls’ Most Valuable Asset Moving Forward
The Chicago Bulls made a trade that shocked many fans and analysts alike: they sent Alex Caruso, one of the league’s best defensive and 3-and-D players, to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey—no additional draft picks included.
This move sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning whether the Bulls got fair value for Caruso, especially since rumors suggested multiple first-round picks were on the table.
Yet, as the season has unfolded, Josh Giddey has begun to prove his doubters wrong, emerging as a rising star and potentially the cornerstone for the Bulls’ future.
At the time of the trade, Giddey’s reputation was mixed.
He was a young, talented point guard—just 21 years old—who started for the top-seeded Thunder team.
His size, court vision, and rebounding ability stood out, but so did his weaknesses: inconsistent shooting, defensive lapses, and a tendency to turn the ball over.
Many Bulls fans were frustrated, especially given the team’s failed playoff push and Giddey’s uneven postseason performance with Oklahoma City.
However, some saw potential in his unique skill set and believed he could grow into a valuable playmaker for Chicago.
The early part of the season was rough for Giddey.
Turnovers piled up, his finishing around the rim was poor, and his defense remained a concern.
It looked like the Bulls might have made a mistake.
But since trading away Zach LaVine, Giddey’s role expanded, and he has stepped up impressively.
His recent performances have been a revelation, showcasing improved efficiency and leadership on the court.
In February alone, Giddey averaged nearly 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game while shooting an eye-popping 52% from three-point range and 86% from the free-throw line.
His true shooting percentage sat at a remarkable 66%, shattering the narrative that he’s an inefficient scorer.
Advanced metrics back up this transformation.
Despite the Bulls struggling overall, Giddey posted a plus-eight net rating in February, meaning the team performed better by eight points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor.
His box plus-minus for the season is the second highest on the team, only behind Nikola Vučević, and he ranks second in win shares.
These numbers challenge the notion that Giddey’s production is “empty stats” on a losing team.
On the contrary, he’s one of the few consistent bright spots.
Contrast this with Kobe White, another key guard on the Bulls.
White has battled injuries and inconsistency, especially since LaVine’s departure.
His shooting splits and advanced metrics paint a less flattering picture: a negative net rating and one of the worst box plus-minus figures on the roster.
White’s decision-making and effort have been questioned, while Giddey’s hustle and impact have grown.
This comparison raises a tough question for the Bulls’ front office: if they must choose between extending Giddey or White, who should they prioritize?
Giddey is a restricted free agent, meaning the Bulls can match any offer he receives in free agency.
Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams can negotiate extensions before free agency begins, as Chicago did last year with Patrick Williams.
However, it might be wiser for the Bulls to let Giddey test the market and gain leverage, then decide whether to match offers based on his true value.
While Giddey isn’t a superstar, he’s a solid young player with upside and a unique skill set.
Financially, the Bulls face a balancing act.
Paying Giddey a max contract would be risky given his current level, but a deal in the $20–25 million per year range over five years could represent excellent value.
Such a contract would likely keep him in his prime through the latter years of the deal, with the salary becoming more manageable relative to the rising salary cap.
Anything beyond that, especially $30 million or more annually, could hamper the Bulls’ flexibility.
Extending Giddey at a fair price may mean the Bulls cannot afford a similar long-term deal for Kobe White, who will also command a significant raise.
White has one more year left on his bargain contract, but the team will need to make tough roster decisions.
Keeping both guards on hefty contracts could crowd out investments in wings and big men, areas where the Bulls need improvement.
Ultimately, this offseason will test Chicago’s front office and shape the team’s future.
Josh Giddey’s emergence as a reliable and efficient contributor makes a compelling case for him as a foundational piece.
His youth, versatility, and recent surge in production suggest he could be the Bulls’ primary playmaker for years to come.
Whether the Bulls can navigate the financial and roster challenges to build around Giddey remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: it’s time to take Josh Giddey seriously.
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