Projecting the Bulls' 2024-25 Lineup After DeRozan Trade, Offseason Moves

PG/SG: Josh Giddey

View Giddey and White as transient across the two guard spots, with Giddey being the lead distributor. Traded one-for-one for Alex Caruso, Giddey’s main appeal exists in his age and regular season proof-of-concept. He doesn’t turn 22 until October, started 80 games for the Thunder last year, and fills up the stat sheet as a lead guard (career 13.9 points, 7.3 rebound, 5.7 assists).

For better or worse, Giddey is going to have every opportunity to build on the good and distance himself from the bad in OKC. He had a disastrous playoff run in 2024, ultimately getting benched and falling to 18.1 minutes per game following a regular season with a career low 25.2 minutes per game. He’s a career 31 percent three-point shooter who became a persona-non-shooter in the postseason – luckily, he won’t be back soon.

Part of the consternation with Giddey also arises from trading a fan favorite, elite role-player for a young guard with baggage, a broken jumper, and a playstyle that is… unstimulating. Not getting picks back in the deal isn’t his fault but colors the perception further.

With a couple more shooters and a warlock to work some magic on that jump shot, Giddey could be a useful offensive hub. Given his size, he should be able to hold up better defensively as he ages. I think we all just wish this offseason kicked off with a move that felt more like a starting gun than a whimper.