Alex Caruso's professional basketball journey began 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, evidenced by his impressive stints with both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls. In a surprising turn of events, the Thunder reacquired Caruso 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. He has effectively defended NBA superstars like Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo, making him a valuable asset on any team. Not only is Caruso known for his defense, but he has also shown significant improvement as a three-point shooter, 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. Furthermore, Caruso's contract is advantageous for Oklahoma City. Although Caruso earns roughly $1.5 million more than Giddey next season, both players are on expiring deals. This financial flexibility allows the Thunder to benefit from having their second- and third-best players still on rookie contracts, potentially creating more than $30 million in cap space.
This cap space could allow the Thunder to address other roster needs, such as their rebounding issues. Potential moves could include signing a player like Isaiah Hartenstein or re-signing Isaiah Joe to a long-term deal. Caruso joins a solid defensive lineup that already 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 what could be an arguably superior defense compared to recent champions like the Boston Celtics.
By acquiring Caruso, the Thunder managed to trade a player they could no longer utilize effectively and acquired one highly coveted across the league, showcasing General Manager Sam Presti's strategic maneuvering. This move certainly has the potential to earn Presti "Executive of the Year" honors.
Chicago Bulls' Gamble on Josh Giddey
Conversely, the trade presents a different picture for the Chicago Bulls, earning them a generous C- grade. 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 ten triple-doubles over the past three seasons. Despite his individual accolades, Giddey's success heavily depends on controlling the offense, a scenario that 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. Collaboration with Coby White in ball-handling roles could be beneficial but demands intentional development from the coaching staff.
Interestingly, the Bulls decided to trade for Giddey instead of waiting for other offers for Caruso. Multiple first-round picks, including a top-10 pick, were reportedly on the table for Caruso. Giddey has improved his shooting each season, making around 34% of his three-point attempts last year. However, his low volume of attempts signals that there's still work to do.
In the short term, this trade makes the Bulls 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. 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.
Ultimately, Caruso's exit was almost inevitable for the Bulls, considering their position 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.
Executive Excellence and Rebuilding Efforts
In summary, the Oklahoma City Thunder have turned a potential problem into a significant asset by reacquiring Alex Caruso, bolstering their already formidable defense. On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls have taken a gamble on Josh Giddey, betting on his potential to emerge as a central figure in their future rebuilding efforts. While the trade's immediate impact favors the Thunder, the Bulls' long-term success will depend on their ability to construct a roster that maximizes Giddey's talents. Only time will reveal the full ramifications of this intriguing NBA trade.
