Whether the Chicago Bulls will secure a playoff spot this season remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the future of the once-relevant franchise is still a work in process.
Before the 2024-25 season began, Chicago made a trade that was questioned by many. On Jun. 21, they traded defensive-minded Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey. With Caruso being the Bulls’ main enforcer on defense, the trade sent fans into a frenzy.
Despite losing a fan-favorite in Caruso, Chicago got a precious item in return.
Giddey is averaging 13.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists this season. After years of struggling to perfect his 3-point shot, he is now shooting a career-high 37.8% from that area. He is excelling at filling in the defensive role Caruso left with a career-high average of 1.1 steals. As expected, Giddey is continuing to rack up triple-doubles. In December, he had two games where he recorded a triple-double, making him the first player in Bulls history since Jimmy Butler to have multiple triple-doubles.
Giddey is in the final year of his four-year rookie contract he signed with the Thunder. He will be a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning the Bulls front office can match any offer he gets.
The Bulls might want to exercise that decision. Before Giddey entered the league, he was praised for his all-around abilities and willingness to play multiple positions. He continued to fulfill those duties in the NBA. He is averaging 13.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists for his career.
Giddey has also taken responsibility for executing different roles. While playing in Oklahoma, he performed at the small and power forward spots, and the shooting guard spot. Once he arrived in Chicago, he transferred over to the point guard spot.
For years, the Bulls have struggled to have an identity or player to represent them. Initially, they planned to have Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan carry the torch, but it didn’t work out. Giddey, on the other hand, has shown he could set the path right for them. Ever since the trade deadline ended, he has been the Bulls’ leader in rebounds, assists, and blocks. He is their second-leading scorer, right behind Coby White.
Granted, Giddey doesn’t possess the same offensive game as LaVine or prioritizes defense the way Caruso did. In spite of that, if he continues his all-around efforts, the Bulls’ future could begin to expand.
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