Oklahoma City Thunder
Alex Caruso's professional basketball journey began not at the NBA level, but with the Oklahoma City Thunder's G-League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, after going undrafted in 2016. Since then, Caruso's career has flourished in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls. Now, in a significant move, the Thunder have brought Caruso back to Oklahoma City via 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. He has effectively defended superstars like Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo, showcasing his value in high-pressure situations. Beyond his defensive skills, Caruso is a steadily improving three-point shooter, hitting nearly 41% of his attempts last season, adding an offensive dimension to his game.
Strengthening the Thunder’s Defense
The Thunder’s acquisition of Caruso strengthens their already impressive defense, which ranked fourth in the NBA last season. Caruso's defensive acumen will add to a solid lineup that includes defensive stalwarts like Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, and Jalen Williams. Moreover, Chet Holmgren's performance last season, where he ranked third in contested shots per game, complements this defensive core, making the Thunder arguably superior defensively to recent champions like the Boston Celtics.
Financial and Strategic Advantages
Caruso's contract is another advantage for Oklahoma City. Although Caruso earns roughly $1.5 million more than Giddey next season, both players are on expiring deals. The Thunder benefit from having their second- and third-best players still on rookie contracts, allowing flexibility in roster construction. As a result, the Thunder could create more than $30 million in cap space. This financial maneuvering positions them well to address rebounding issues by potentially signing a player like Isaiah Hartenstein or re-signing Isaiah Joe to a long-term deal.
By trading a player they could no longer utilize effectively and acquiring one highly coveted across the league, Oklahoma City's general manager, Sam Presti, has transformed a potential problem into a significant asset. This strategic maneuvering certainly looks like an "Executive of the Year" level move, strengthening the team both on the court and in the front office.
Chicago Bulls
On the other side of the trade, the Chicago Bulls earn a generous C- grade for their decision. Josh Giddey is one of the top ten passers in the league and a good scorer inside the arc. However, his 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, yet his success heavily depends on controlling the offense, a scenario that currently seems unlikely in Chicago without significant roster adjustments.
Challenges Ahead for the Bulls
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 require considerable upgrades to fully leverage Giddey's abilities. Collaboration with Coby White in ball-handling roles could be beneficial but demands intentional development. Chicago decided to trade for Giddey instead of waiting for other offers for Caruso, even though multiple first-round picks and a top-10 pick were reportedly offered for Caruso.
Giddey has improved his shooting each season, making around 34% on three-pointers last year. However, his low volume of attempts signals that there is still work to do. In the short term, the Bulls’ trade makes them a worse team as they work to integrate Giddey and possibly rebuild around him. Chicago owes a top-10 protected first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to the San Antonio Spurs, complicating their immediate future.
Potential for Future Success
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.
Conclusion
The trade between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Chicago Bulls presents a fascinating case study in team-building strategies. While the Thunder have fortified their defense and financial flexibility through savvy management, the Bulls face significant challenges in making the most out of their new acquisition. Only time will tell how each franchise will adapt and whether these moves will yield the desired results.