Alex Caruso's professional basketball journey began with the Oklahoma City Thunder's G-League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue, after he went undrafted in 2016. Over the years, Caruso has made significant strides at the NBA level, particularly with the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls. On Thursday, the Thunder orchestrated a trade to bring Caruso back to Oklahoma City, sending Josh Giddey to Chicago.
The acquisition of Caruso exemplifies the Thunder's strategic planning. Known for his defensive prowess and capability as a connective passer, Caruso has effectively defended superstars like Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is also a steadily improving three-point shooter, hitting nearly 41% of his attempts last season. Integrating Caruso into their roster strengthens Oklahoma City's already impressive defense, which ranked fourth in the NBA last season.
Financial Savvy
Caruso's contract is a notable asset for the Thunder. Although Caruso earns roughly $1.5 million more than Josh Giddey next season, both players are on expiring deals. The Thunder 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 financial flexibility allows Oklahoma City to address their rebounding issues by potentially signing a player like Isaiah Hartenstein or re-signing Isaiah Joe to a long-term deal.
Defensive Lineup
Caruso joins a solid defensive lineup that includes Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, and Jalen Williams. Furthermore, Chet Holmgren's performance last season, where he ranked third in contested shots per game, complements the team's defense. Oklahoma City's defense is now arguably superior to recent champions like the Boston Celtics.
Thunder General Manager Sam Presti has effectively transformed a potential problem into a significant asset with this strategic maneuvering. The trade, lauded as an "Executive of the Year" level move, showcases Presti's acumen in navigating the complexities of team management.
Chicago Bulls' Challenging Gamble
The trade paints a different picture for the Chicago Bulls, who received a generous C- grade for their decision. Josh Giddey, one of the top ten passers in the league and a good scorer inside the arc, joins the Bulls. However, Giddey's overall fit with the team remains uncertain. For Giddey to thrive, the Bulls would need to make considerable roster adjustments, including potentially unloading Zach LaVine's hefty contract and letting DeMar DeRozan leave.
Giddey's Potential and Challenges
Giddey is among the nine players who have posted at least ten triple-doubles over the past three seasons. However, his success heavily depends on controlling the offense, which currently seems unlikely in Chicago without significant changes. The Bulls face spacing issues that need considerable upgrades to fully leverage Giddey's abilities. Collaboration with Coby White in ball-handling roles could be beneficial but demands intentional development.
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 offered for Caruso. While Giddey has shown improvement in his shooting, making around 34% of his three-pointers last year, his low volume indicates that there's still work to be done.
Short-Term Struggles and Long-Term Hope
In the short term, the Bulls' trade makes them a weaker team as they work to integrate Giddey and potentially 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.
Caruso's exit was almost a given for the Bulls, considering their status 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.
In conclusion, while the Thunder and Bulls have taken divergent paths with this trade, the outcomes for both teams will depend on how well they can capitalize on their new assets. The Thunder's calculated risk aims to cement their defensive prowess, while the Bulls are banking on Giddey's potential to turn the tide in their favor.
