Alex Caruso began his professional basketball journey with the Oklahoma City Thunder, though not at the NBA level, but with their G-League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, after going undrafted in 2016. Caruso's career has since flourished at the NBA level with both the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls.
On Thursday, the Thunder brought Caruso back to Oklahoma City in a trade with the Bulls, sending Josh Giddey to Chicago. Caruso is highly sought after for his defensive prowess and his capabilities as a connective passer. Over the years, Caruso has effectively defended superstars like Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo, raising his profile as a premier defensive guard in the league.
Caruso has also steadily improved his three-point shooting, hitting nearly 41% of his attempts last season. The Thunder’s acquisition of Caruso strengthens their already impressive defense, which ranked fourth in the NBA last season. This move reflects Oklahoma City’s commitment to fortifying their defense as they eye a deeper playoff run in the upcoming season.
Another advantage for Oklahoma City is Caruso's contract. Though Caruso earns roughly $1.5 million more than Giddey next season, both players are on expiring deals. This allows the Thunder considerable financial flexibility moving forward. They benefit from having their second- and third-best players still on rookie contracts, which could help them create more than $30 million in cap space.
This cap space gives the Thunder opportunities to address specific needs, such as rebounding. By potentially signing a player like Isaiah Hartenstein or re-signing Isaiah Joe to a long-term deal, they can become even more formidable.
Caruso joins a solid defensive lineup that includes Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, and Jalen Williams. Additionally, Chet Holmgren's performance last season, where he ranked third in contested shots per game, complements an arguably superior defense compared to recent champions like the Boston Celtics. The Thunder managed to trade a player they could no longer utilize effectively and acquired a highly coveted one across the league. Oklahoma City's general manager, Sam Presti, has transformed a potential problem into a significant asset with this strategic maneuvering, setting himself up for "Executive of the Year" recognition.
Chicago Bulls' Perspective on the Trade
The trade presents a different picture for the Chicago Bulls, earning them a generous C- grade. Josh Giddey, one of the top ten passers in the league and a good scorer inside the arc, has now joined Chicago. However, Giddey's overall fit with the Bulls remains uncertain.
Giddey is among the nine players who have posted at least 10 triple-doubles over the past three seasons but his success heavily depends on controlling the offense. This scenario currently seems unlikely in Chicago without significant roster adjustments. For Giddey to thrive, the Bulls would need to unload Zach LaVine's hefty contract and potentially let DeMar DeRozan leave.
The team’s current spacing issues need considerable upgrades to fully leverage Giddey's abilities. A collaboration with Coby White in ball-handling roles could be beneficial but demands intentional development from the coaching staff. Chicago decided to trade for Giddey instead of waiting for other offers for Caruso, including multiple first-round picks and a top-10 pick that were reportedly offered for Caruso.
Giddey has improved his shooting each season, making around 34% on 3-pointers last year, although his low volume signals that there's still work to be done. In the short term, the Bulls' trade makes them a worse team as they work to integrate Giddey and possibly rebuild around him.
Chicago also owes a top-10 protected first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to the San Antonio Spurs, complicating their immediate future. If the Bulls strategically set themselves up for a rough season to keep their 2025 pick, it could provide access to next year’s elite prospects and potentially accelerate their rebuilding process.
Caruso's exit was almost a given for the Bulls, considering their place as a Play-In team. The long-term success of this trade for Chicago hinges on their ability to configure the team well enough to center around Giddey's skills effectively. The Bulls' front office faces a critical period where their decisions could either set a foundation for future success or extend their period of mediocrity.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Oklahoma City Thunder appear to have made a strategic and financially sound move by acquiring Alex Caruso. This move has positioned them for immediate and long-term success. On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls' decision to trade for Josh Giddey brings a mixed bag of potential and uncertainty. How each team capitalizes on these trades will unfold over the next season, with each front office facing its own unique set of challenges and opportunities.
