Josh Giddey’s standoff with the Chicago Bulls is over, after the Australian point guard signed a four-year deal with the NBA team for a reported US$100 million (A$152m).
Giddey and the Bulls had been far apart on expected salary, leading to a lengthy stalemate, but the Aussie’s future is now decided. Averaging out to US$25 million per season, it sees the parties essentially meet in the middle.
ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news on Wednesday (AEST), reporting that the contract was fully guaranteed and contained no player or team options.
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Giddey, 22, was bullish about his earning potential after coming off a career season, scoring 14.6 points per game, plus averaging career-highs in rebounds (8.1), assists (7.2), steals (1.2) and three-pointers (37.8%). His form spiked dramatically after the All-Star break, averaging 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists, plus 50% shooting and 46% on threes from then until the end of the season.
The new contract confirms Giddey as the centrepiece of the Bulls’ offence. He led the team to a play-in tournament spot last season.
He also consistently stuffed the stat sheet. The Aussie had a performance against the Los Angeles Lakers in March, that saw him become the first player with 15 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds and eight steals in an NBA game since steals became an official stat in 1973-74.
Giddey’s late-season performances were made more remarkable by the fact that he had a torn muscle in his shooting hand.
Now his immediate future is secure and by the time this contract ends, he should be in the prime of his career and in line to earn a genuine monster contract. Champion Golden State point guard Steph Curry will earn about US$60 million next season as the league’s salary benchmark.