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Fox Guide: Josh Giddey eyeing $45 million payday if he can maintain his eye from three-point range

Josh Giddey is putting up career best numbers for his new team as he sets sights on a massive payday, but Aussie fans will first have eyes on his match up with defensive beast Dyson Daniels.

Josh Giddey nails three-pointers in Chicago Bulls win

The Chicago Bulls took a risk when they gave up a significant package to put their faith in Josh Giddey, but thus far the Aussie star is repaying the Bulls with career-high numbers from three-point range.

And if Giddey can maintain his current small sample size, he stands to earn a whopping $AU45 million annual in his next contract.

It’s a bumper year for the rising Boomer – who looks comfortable as Chicago’s primary ball handler.

Giddey’s shot from range is also the best its looked in his young NBA career to date.

The Melbourne-born guard is averaging 44 per cent from beyond the arc – a big jump from his previous best of 33.7 per cent last season.

Giddey’s improved stroke from range will go a long way to helping him secure the big bucks.

Aussie Josh Giddey looks comfortable at his new club the Chicago Bulls. Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images.
Aussie Josh Giddey looks comfortable at his new club the Chicago Bulls. Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images.

The three-point shot has become a major part of the modern NBA. Look no further than reigning champions the Boston Celtics for proof.

The Celtics jack up more threes than any other team and it’s resulted in the men in green becoming the NBA’s benchmark side and titleholders.

The biggest knock on Giddey during his time with the OKC Thunder has been his inconsistency with the three ball.

The gifted Aussie has proven he is a world-class passer who possesses razor sharp vision and a hoops IQ well beyond his 22 years.

The next step in Giddey’s career is consistently nailing his three-point shot – and it appears he is on the right trajectory with the Bulls this season.

He is also averaging 14.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in 29.1 minutes per game.

Giddey’s potential is there for everyone to see – which is why Chicago made the choice to trade Alex Caruso for the Aussie guard.

The Bulls even gave up the chance to secure packages including multiple first-round selections.

Chicago understood Giddey’s enormous upside as a young player who will only get better if given the opportunity.

This will happen at the Bulls, who have committed to handing the young gun the playmaking keys.

Giddey’s faces a clash against fellow Boomers star Dyson Daniels on Sunday when Chicago travels to Atlanta to take on the Hawks.

Dyson Daniels has been brilliant for his new club Atlanta Hawks this season. Picture: Todd Kirkland / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP.
Dyson Daniels has been brilliant for his new club Atlanta Hawks this season. Picture: Todd Kirkland / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP.

Daniels has been a defensive beast for his new club the Hawks this season – leading the NBA in deflections with 6.2 per game.

The fellow NBA Global Academy product is also third in steals with 2.2 a game behind CJ McCollum and Jordan Poole.

Giddey and Daniels share a close bond dating back to their days in Melbourne and they always relish the chance to battle it out on the big stage.

Sunday will be no different as both young Boomers look to give their respective sides an edge.

NBA SUNDAY:

Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks from 11.30am (AEDT)

JOSH GIDDEY STATS:

14.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists

DYSON DANIELS STATS:

12.5 points, 4 rebounds and 2.5 assists

And you can even throw in how his former team have opened the season 7-0 since he left.

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/basketball/fox-guide-josh-giddey-eyeing-45-million-payday-if-he-can-maintain-his-eye-from-threepoint-range/news-story/dc0119c3b5b00ea2ac18a53ab4e0f7c0