Alex Caruso’s professional basketball journey has come full circle. After going undrafted in 2016, Caruso started his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder's G-League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue. His grit and determination have since seen him flourish at the NBA level with both the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls. On Thursday, the Thunder brought Caruso back to Oklahoma City in a strategic 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. Known for effectively defending superstars like Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Caruso adds substantial value to any roster. He is also a steadily improving three-point shooter, hitting nearly 41% of his attempts last season.
Strengthening the Defense
The Thunder’s acquisition of Caruso strengthens an already impressive defense, which ranked fourth in the NBA last season. Caruso will join a solid defensive lineup that includes Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, and Jalen Williams. Coupled with Chet Holmgren's performance last season, where he ranked third in contested shots per game, the Thunder now potentially boast a superior defense compared to recent champions like the Boston Celtics.
Financial Flexibility
Another significant advantage for Oklahoma City is Caruso's contract. Despite earning roughly $1.5 million more than Giddey next season, Caruso comes on an expiring deal, providing the Thunder with considerable financial flexibility. This flexibility is further enhanced by still having their second- and third-best players on rookie contracts, allowing them to potentially create more than $30 million in cap space. This cap space could be pivotal in addressing their rebounding issues and potentially signing a player like Isaiah Hartenstein or re-signing Isaiah Joe to a long-term deal.
Smart Management
Oklahoma City's general manager, Sam Presti, has skillfully transformed a potential problem into a significant asset. By trading a player they could no longer utilize effectively and acquiring one who is highly coveted across the league, this move undoubtedly looks like an "Executive of the Year" level maneuver.
Chicago Bulls' Perspective: A Different Narrative
The trade paints a contrasting picture for the Chicago Bulls, receiving a modest C- grade for their efforts. Josh Giddey, one of the top ten passers in the league and a reliable scorer inside the arc, now becomes a part of Chicago's roster. However, Giddey's overall fit with the Bulls remains uncertain.
Challenges in Integration
Giddey is among only nine players who have posted at least 10 triple-doubles over the past three seasons. His success, however, heavily depends on controlling the offense—a scenario that seems unlikely in Chicago without significant roster adjustments. For Giddey to thrive, the Bulls may need to unload Zach LaVine's hefty contract and potentially allow DeMar DeRozan to exit.
Additionally, the team's current spacing issues require substantial upgrades to fully leverage Giddey’s talents. Pairing him with Coby White in ball-handling roles could be beneficial, yet it demands intentional and strategic development.
Trade Decisions and Implications
Chicago opted to trade for Giddey rather than wait for other offers for Caruso. Reportedly, multiple first-round picks and a top-10 pick were offered for Caruso. Giddey has improved his shooting each season, making around 34% on three-pointers last year. However, his low volume signals that there is still considerable work to be done.
In the short term, this trade seems to make the Bulls a worse team as they work to integrate Giddey and potentially rebuild around him. Adding to the complexity, Chicago owes a top-10 protected first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to the San Antonio Spurs, which complicates their immediate future. If the Bulls strategically set themselves up for a rough season to retain their 2025 pick, it could provide access to next year’s elite prospects and potentially accelerate their rebuilding process.
Future Considerations
Caruso's departure was almost inevitable for the Bulls, considering their standing as a Play-In team. The long-term success of this trade for Chicago hinges on their ability to reconfigure the team effectively around Giddey's skills. Only time will tell if this gamble will pay off for the Bulls.
Conclusion
In summary, while Oklahoma City Thunder have bolstered their already stout defense and gained valuable financial flexibility with the acquisition of Alex Caruso, the Chicago Bulls face a more uncertain future. Josh Giddey’s potential shines, but whether it can translate into success for the Bulls is a complex, multifaceted question. The outcomes of these strategic decisions will unfold in the coming months, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.
