3 Bulls on Thin Ice Entering 2024-25 Season

2. Josh Giddey

The Josh Giddey trade in the offseason in exchange for Caruso was a big one. Caruso is a fan-favorite player. Rather than obtaining draft picks, the Bulls traded for Giddey. He was under a lot of scrutiny for disturbing news and allegations made against him.

Nevertheless, the Bulls expect Giddey to be a massive part of the youth movement. The front office is trying to build around him. Giddey has the marvelous potential to be a huge contributor. It is a perfect opportunity to showcase his skills.

He is entering the final year of his contract and spoke about a big payday. What does he expect to get? Around $30 million a year. It is a huge chunk of salary going to one player. Giddey can potentially be an elite talent but is not a superstar.

Now granted, the demand and salary cap has gone up in recent years, but unless the Bulls trade out several of their veteran assets, there is not much cap flexibility to give Giddey that type of money.

A team like the Bulls doesn't like to overspend. The league also implemented new cap penalties in the offseason. The CBA is strict when it comes to spending money on players. The Bulls must be careful about spending their money in the upcoming year.

The best approach is to draft and develop talent, allowing you to be flexible and wise with your off-season spending. Look at the Golden State Warriors. Drafting and developing Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green led to the signing of Kevin Durant in free agency.

The Warriors built an intelligent and efficient team throughout the years, and now they have cut ties with Thompson because of their lack of cap flexibility. The Bulls must decide if Giddey is worth paying $30 million a year. He will have a lot to prove during the season. If Giddey can stay healthy, consistent, and play at a high level, then the Bulls can give him the contract he wants, and it can get the youth movement off on the right foot.