Chicago have officially secured the services of Australian sensation Josh Giddey, signing the versatile guard to a lucrative new multi-year contract. While the Bulls opted not to reveal the financial specifics, multiple reports confirmed on Tuesday that the deal is worth $US100 million ($A152 million) spread across four years—a significant investment in a player who has quickly become one of the cornerstones of the franchise.
The move highlights the Bulls’ commitment to building around Giddey, whose skill set, playmaking, and consistency have set him apart since his arrival in the NBA. Chicago initially acquired the 6-foot-8, 214-pound guard in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder in June 2024, and he wasted no time in making his presence felt in his first season with the team.
Giddey’s impact was not just impressive—it was historic. He became one of only three NBA players, alongside LeBron James and Nikola Jokic, to record at least 1002 points, 566 rebounds, and 503 assists in the season. That company alone underscores his all-around influence on the court, demonstrating that his versatility is comparable with the league’s elite.
At just 22 years old, the Melbourne-born playmaker continues to ascend. Last season, he averaged 14.6 points per game while posting a career-high 8.1 rebounds. He also led the Bulls in assists, dishing out 7.2 per contest, and earned the starting role in 69 of the 70 games he played. What made his achievement particularly notable was the historical context—he joined the legendary Michael Jordan as the only Chicago player to ever average at least 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in a single season.
Drafted sixth overall in 2021, Giddey has lived up to the hype that followed him into the NBA. A central figure in the Australian Boomers program as well, he has established himself as a global talent whose game continues to evolve. During the 2024-25 campaign, he notched 30 double-doubles and seven triple-doubles, cementing his reputation as a stat-sheet stuffer. He also improved his long-range shooting, hitting a career-high 105 three-pointers—a key factor in helping Chicago set a franchise record with 1271 made triples in a single season.
Despite his personal success, team results remained mixed. The Bulls finished ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 39-43 record. Their campaign ended in disappointment when they were eliminated in the Play-In tournament by the Miami Heat on their home floor. Giddey did everything he could to keep Chicago’s hopes alive, leading the team with 25 points in that do-or-die clash, but it wasn’t enough to extend their season.
The franchise’s faith in Giddey, however, reflects more than just his box-score numbers. His basketball IQ, leadership qualities, and ability to orchestrate the offense make him invaluable in Chicago’s plans to rise back into contention in the East. Team executives believe he represents both the present and future of the Bulls, an anchor around whom the roster can be reshaped.
Since entering the NBA, Giddey has been no stranger to recognition. He was named to the All-Rookie Second Team in the 2021-22 season and earned Rising Stars selections in each of his first two years. On top of that, he was the Western Conference Rookie of the Month four times, further evidence of how quickly he adapted to the league.
Now with a four-year extension in hand, Giddey has an opportunity to continue that trajectory in Chicago. His role is likely to grow even further as the Bulls look to develop a more competitive roster around him. The front office has emphasized shooting and depth in recent seasons, and with Giddey’s ability to distribute the ball and create opportunities, Chicago hopes to maximize the potential of its offensive system.
The Australian guard’s presence also carries symbolic weight for the Bulls. Chicago has been searching for a consistent identity in the post-Michael Jordan era, and while it has cycled through stars such as Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, and Zach LaVine, few have brought the unique versatility that Giddey provides. His knack for controlling the tempo, rebounding effectively as a guard, and spreading the floor with his passing ensures that he can adapt to multiple roles within the system.
For Australian basketball, Giddey’s contract further cements his standing as one of the country’s brightest exports. Following in the footsteps of Boomers legends like Andrew Bogut and Patty Mills, he continues to inspire the next generation of players. His rise also aligns with the growing respect for the National Basketball League’s (NBL) Next Stars program, which has helped develop NBA-ready talents like Giddey, LaMelo Ball, and others.
Chicago’s challenge will now be translating Giddey’s individual brilliance into collective success. With rivals like Milwaukee, Boston, and Miami maintaining their strongholds atop the East, the Bulls need significant improvements to return to being contenders. Yet, with Giddey at the heart of their plans, the organization has at least established a foundation of stability.
The four-year, $100 million deal not only secures Chicago’s playmaker of the present but also symbolizes the belief that he can evolve into a franchise-defining player. For Giddey, it’s another step in a career that has already seen him achieve milestones that few could have imagined when he first entered the league at just 18. As the Bulls prepare for the next chapter, their Australian guard remains central to their pursuit of glory.
