The Oklahoma City Thunder traded Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Alex Caruso, a move aimed at enhancing their contending roster. While Caruso, a two-time NBA All-Defensive Team member, improves the Thunder’s defense immediately, he is in the final year of his contract for the 2024-25 season.
This raises concerns about the long-term value of the trade, as Oklahoma City risks losing a promising 21-year-old Giddey for what could be just a one-year rental of Caruso.
The Oklahoma City Thunder traded for Alex Caruso with the intention of making him a long-term part of their core. Despite being 30, Caruso is seen as having several years of high-level play left. He has ties to the organization and a chance to compete for a championship in OKC. Caruso becomes eligible for a four-year, $80M extension in late December 2024, and early success with the Thunder could make extension negotiations smoother.
Alex Caruso acknowledged that discussions about a contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder are for the future, but he praised the organization for building a strong team. Caruso, a low-usage player who excels at perimeter defense and efficient shooting, is seen as an ideal fit for the Thunder. If he integrates well and the team starts the 2024-25 season strongly, signing him to a four-year, $80 million extension would be an ideal outcome, especially given his previous connections with GM Sam Presti and coach Mark Daigneault.
