If you’ve been out of the NBA loop for a minute, you might still picture Josh Giddey throwing those signature cross-court dimes in a Thunder jersey. Honestly, the NBA moves fast. One day you’re part of a "core four" in Oklahoma City, and the next, you’re the engine of a legendary franchise in the Windy City.
As of January 2026, Josh Giddey plays for the Chicago Bulls.
He’s not just a roster filler, either. He’s basically become the face of their new era. It’s been a wild ride since the 2024 trade that sent Alex Caruso to OKC in exchange for the Australian playmaker. While some critics initially pouted about losing Caruso’s defense, Giddey has turned into a walking triple-double threat at the United Center.
The Trade That Changed Everything
Look, the 2024 offseason was a turning point for Giddey. After three seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, it became pretty clear that the fit was getting clunky. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams needing the ball, Giddey’s playmaking was being wasted in the corner.
He needed a team where he could actually run the show.
The Bulls stepped up. They were looking for a way to move on from the Lonzo Ball era and needed a "pure" point guard who could maximize scorers like Coby White and Nikola Vučević. Since arriving in Chicago, Giddey hasn't just played; he’s thrived. He signed a massive four-year, $100 million contract extension in September 2025, which pays him a flat $25 million annually through the 2028-29 season.
That’s a big bet. But so far? It’s paying off.
✨ Don't miss: The Score of Auburn Football Game: What Really Happened on the Plains
A Season of Highs and... Hamstrings
Right now, in the 2025-26 season, Giddey is putting up numbers that look like they're straight out of a video game. He’s currently averaging 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game. To put that in perspective, he and Nikola Jokić are some of the only guys in the league maintaining those kinds of averages this year.
He even dropped a career-high 32 points against the Knicks back in October 2025.
But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. If you're looking for him in the lineup tonight, you might be disappointed. He’s been sidelined since late December 2025 with a left hamstring strain. He caught the injury during a game against the Timberwolves on December 30. The Bulls are currently re-evaluating him, and the word on the street is he might need another week or two before he's back to full speed.
It’s a bummer because Chicago was actually holding onto a play-in spot, largely thanks to his pace.
Why Giddey in Chicago Works
You've gotta love his size. At 6'7" (or 6'8" depending on which roster sheet you believe), he’s a massive point guard. In Chicago’s system under Billy Donovan, he’s been given the "keys to the car."
🔗 Read more: Hailey Van Lith LSU: What Really Happened in Baton Rouge
- The Pace Factor: The Bulls are currently 3rd in the NBA in pace. Giddey is the reason. He gets the board and immediately looks for the outlet pass.
- Improved Shooting: One of the biggest knocks on him in OKC was his jumper. This season, he’s hitting 38.6% of his threes. That’s a huge jump from his early career.
- The Passing: He’s already broken records for triple-doubles in the post-Michael Jordan era for the Bulls. That’s not a small feat considering the players who have passed through Chicago.
Some fans are still skeptical about his defense. It’s a fair point. He’s not a "stopper," and the Bulls' defensive rating isn't exactly elite. They’re currently sitting 24th in the league defensively. But when you’re scoring 117 points a night, you can live with some defensive lapses.
What’s Next for Giddey and the Bulls?
With the 2026 trade deadline approaching, there’s a lot of chatter about what Chicago will do. Some analysts think they should tear it all down and rebuild for the "loaded" 2026 draft. However, the front office seems married to the Giddey-Coby White backcourt.
The real test will be seeing if Giddey can stay healthy and lead this team deep into the postseason. He’s only 23. Most players don’t even hit their prime until 27. The fact that he’s already flirting with a season-long triple-double average is kind of insane.
🔗 Read more: Who Won the Texans Game Last Night: The Defensive Masterclass in Pittsburgh
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Monitor Injury Reports: Keep a close eye on the Bulls' official injury updates regarding his hamstring. He was set for re-evaluation in mid-January 2026.
- Watch the Shooting Splits: If you're analyzing his value, check if he maintains that 38% three-point mark. If he does, he’s an All-Star lock next year.
- Trade Deadline Watch: Watch for rumors involving Zach LaVine or Coby White. If the Bulls move either of them, Giddey’s usage rate will likely skyrocket even further.
- All-Star Voting: Given his stats, Giddey is a legitimate candidate for an injury replacement spot or a reserve spot in the 2026 All-Star game if he returns quickly.
Giddey has found his home. The Bulls took a chance on a guy whose value was at an all-time low, and now they have one of the most productive guards in the Eastern Conference. It’s a classic case of the right player in the right system.