Giddey has the option to bet on himself by accepting his $11.1 million qualifying offer, playing out the 2025-26 campaign before hitting unrestricted free agency next summer. However, that route would leave Chicago at risk of losing the 6-foot-8 guard for nothing after acquiring him in exchange for Alex Caruso in June 2024.

While the sides remain stuck in the sand on the terms for a contract extension for the restricted free agent, it's not even August yet in what is being called "a negotiation."