Josh Giddey had an impressive debut season with the Chicago Bulls, after being traded to the team by the Oklahoma City Thunder last off-season.
The Australian struggled early on for his new team, but came into his own in a massive way down the stretch, giving Bulls fans plenty to be excited about heading into next season.
But things could be over before they get to begin in the Windy City, with Giddey and the team still yet to agree on a long-term extension.
When will Josh Giddey sign next deal?
Josh Giddey is currently in the midst of restricted free agency, following his fourth season in the NBA.
While he was initially expected to be one of the first names off the board, negotiations between Giddey and the team have seemingly stalled, with reports that the two parties are a ways away from reaching agreement.
The most recent suggestion of this rift came from reporter Jake Fischer, who posted to X, formerly Twitter, about the team meeting in Las Vegas during Summer League.
"Josh Giddey is in Las Vegas, but has noticeably been absent from both Bulls games at Summer League," Fischer wrote.
"Several veterans just sat courtside here. Certainly seems like an indication that negotiations between the point guard and Chicago are not trending in an amicable direction."
This comes just weeks after ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Giddey and the Bulls would not be reaching a deal "any time soon", with the parties far apart on just how much money he should be paid.
With Giddey being a restricted free agent, meaning he is free to field offers from any team which Chicago can then match, it was believed that a potential suitor could hit his magic number and force the Bulls' hand, but the market for the point guard has been quiet, allowing the team to play the waiting game.
How much will Giddey's next deal be?
Before the off-season began, Giddey was believed to be seeking a deal worth around US$30 million per season, across four or five years.
However, the Bulls are likely looking to reduce this number significantly, freeing up cap space as they enter a period of rebuilding.
The team has already extended him the single year, US$11 million qualifying offer, a one-season deal that takes Giddey into unrestricted free agency next season, but that would be a worst-case scenario for the Boomers star considering the momentum he carried through the end of the season.