The Chicago Bulls are in need of a star after trading their two most recent All-Stars for middling returns. While they have been more competitive than expected this season, that has worked against them in the sense that they are unlikely to pick first in this year's draft. That could keep them out of the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. Even so, it isn't all bad with the emergence of a potential rising star, Josh Giddey.
Prior to the start of the season, Giddey seemed as though he wouldn't get a big contract once he hit restricted free agency this summer. However, since January 1st, Giddey has been one of the best shooters in the NBA, drilling 44% of his 4.4 3-point attempts per game. That is all the more surprising considering that was his biggest flaw.
Moreover, he is averaging 20.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting 49.3% on 4.8 3-point attempts over his last 14 games.
That is a dramatic turnaround and could result in the Bulls having to fork out big bucks to keep Giddey from another team.
While they are in a good position to do so with them having the right of first refusal, they could have avoided this altogether by offering him a contract ahead of the season. Instead, they declined to do so, and that could cost them big time.
The Chicago Bulls may soon regret not extending Josh Giddey after his strong play
Giddey previously wanted a big contract extension. However, Chicago balked at that deal, and he could have a couple of suitors looking to poach a talented 22-year-old rising star for their own team.
Given how well he has played over the last month, him signing a big contract isn't out of the question, especially if a team is aggressive enough. Considering that the Bulls don't have a clear direction at the moment, having a young player break out is a good thing and can give them something that they can build upon.
It just may be more expensive to keep him now that he has begun to fill it up. Even so, with him being a restricted free agent, the market dictates how much he will get paid and only a few teams can offer him big money.
Namely, the Brooklyn Nets and potentially the Detroit Pistons or perhaps another team willing to do a sign and trade. The Bulls certainly hope that another team doesn't up Giddey's price this summer after his strong play.