We’ve spent most of the offseason talking about Jaden Ivey’s possible extension, whether the Detroit Pistons should do it now or wait, and what the final numbers will be. The Bulls helped with the last part by reportedly signing restricted free agent Josh Giddey to a four-year deal worth $100 million, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
The final number was the middle ground between the $80 million the Bulls initially offered and the $120 million Giddey was reportedly seeking.
The Pistons may find themselves in a similar situation with Jaden Ivey next summer, as he too will become a restricted free agent unless the Pistons can get an extension done before next season starts.
It’s a scenario the Pistons would probably rather avoid, as the Giddey situation has held the Bulls hostage and stopped them from making other moves, not that the Bulls ever make moves.
We’ve seen recently with Cam Thomas that these situations can devolve quickly, as Thomas chose to take the qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent after next season, a situation the Pistons want no part of with Ivey.
The Josh Giddey extension could be a preview of Jaden Ivey
Both Ivey and the Pistons are happy to let this go to restricted free agency, as Ivey knows he’d get lowballed after missing most of last season and the Pistons want to see more of him before committing, so both sides have something to gain by being patient.
GIddey was in a similar situation going into last season, as the Bulls were high on his talent, but wanted to see more before they offered him a long-term deal.
Giddey responded by putting up the best 3-point shooting numbers, assists and rebounds of his career, so in the end it worked out for both sides, as Giddey got more money than he would have on an early extension and the Bulls are more comfortable about the investment they are making.
Giddey is more of a lead guard than Ivey, a Cade Cunningham-light who can affect the game in many ways. Ivey is a far more athletic slasher but is not a lead playmaker (at least not full time), so these guys have very different play styles, but are likely in a similar tier.
You can argue about which player is better, but I’d say the $100 million Giddey just received will set a hard ceiling on what the Pistons are going to offer Ivey regardless of how next season turns out.
With Giddey setting the market, a 4 year/$80 million contract for Ivey is not out of the question, which could end up being a bargain for the Pistons if he proves himself next season.