Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey trade: Thunder, Bulls make swap with OKC landing All-Defensive guard

The Chicago Bulls traded Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder for Josh Giddey, the groups introduced on Friday. Caruso, an All-Protection guard who spent the previous three seasons in Chicago after profitable the 2020 championship with the Lakers, has been the topic of commerce rumors for a number of years now. The Bulls have resisted provides constructed round draft picks all through his complete time in Chicago.

However in Giddey, the Bulls land a former No. 6 general decide who was in determined want of a contemporary begin. Giddey has been a starter for Oklahoma Metropolis since he arrived, however his failure to develop as a 3-point shooter doomed him on a roster that already had Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at level guard. His position diminished all through the postseason and he was benched within the remaining two video games towards the Dallas Mavericks.

In Chicago, his destiny could also be tied to the remainder of the roster. If DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are again, his weak point as a shooter will possible proceed to carry him again. He’s finest suited as a full-time level guard, and people on-ball reps will not be out there if DeRozan and LaVine are nonetheless there. DeRozan is ready to turn into a free agent and LaVine has been the topic of his personal commerce rumors, although, so this transfer signifies that the Bulls are prepared for a extra vital rebuild round Giddey and Most Improved Participant runner-up Coby White.

As for the Thunder? They create again a job participant who truly began his profession of their group. The undrafted Caruso spent his rookie yr taking part in for the Oklahoma Metropolis Blue within the G-League. He is since blossomed with the Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, and now he returns to Oklahoma Metropolis as a readymade championship position participant.

Caruso is among the finest defensive perimeter gamers in basketball. He’s able to guarding nearly each place besides heart, and his 3-point share improved to 40.8% final season. The Thunder earned the No. 1 seed within the Western Convention final season. Now, with their children rising and a yr of playoff expertise below their belts, Oklahoma Metropolis goes for it in 2025.