Bulls, Thunder Swap Caruso For Giddey
This move makes sense for both teams and could put OKC over the hump
Dan Karpuc - Jun 20, 2024, 5:53pm EDT
The Trade
On Thursday, it was announced that the Oklahoma City Thunder traded Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso.
Alex Caruso To The Thunder
The deal was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who noted that Thunder GM Sam Presti has long pursued Caruso, who is recognized as one of the NBA’s top role players. In 71 regular season games played last season, the 30-year-old veteran averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks in 28.7 minutes per contest (57 starts).
Caruso will fit in alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren in the starting five and most notably will be able to defend the opposing team’s top backcourt player. Oklahoma City ranked 4th in the NBA in Defensive Rating (111.0) during the regular season and 2nd in the playoffs (104.5), so this is the type of move that could put them over the hump. With electric on-ball defender Cason Wallace also coming off the bench, Dort’s status as perhaps the best perimeter wing defender in the NBA, Holmgren's presumed ascension as a shot-blocker and the elite two-way abilities that SGA and Williams have, the sky’s the limit on that end of the floor.
Interestingly, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was Caruso’s head coach for the Oklahoma City Blue of the G League in 2016-2017 and OKC was the first team to sign Caruso as an undrafted free agent. Now, they'll reunite.
This is the final year of Caruso's current contract and he will be eligible for an extension worth four years and about $80 million six months from now. OKC should also be able to create over $33 million in cap space this summer, which should allow them to bring in another difference-maker or two.
As a result of the trade, OKC’s title odds shifted from roughly +1000 to +900 across the industry and only the Celtics, Nuggets and Timberwolves all have shorter odds than them. This could be the best time to back the Thunder, though, and you can do it at +900 at BetMGM using our exclusive offer below. Assuming that they acquire a notable free agent or two and select an impact player in the 2024 NBA Draft, this could be the best price you'll get them at this offseason.
The Trade
On Thursday, it was announced that the Oklahoma City Thunder traded Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso.
Alex Caruso To The Thunder
The deal was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who noted that Thunder GM Sam Presti has long pursued Caruso, who is recognized as one of the NBA’s top role players. In 71 regular season games played last season, the 30-year-old veteran averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks in 28.7 minutes per contest (57 starts).
Caruso will fit in alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren in the starting five and most notably will be able to defend the opposing team’s top backcourt player. Oklahoma City ranked 4th in the NBA in Defensive Rating (111.0) during the regular season and 2nd in the playoffs (104.5), so this is the type of move that could put them over the hump. With electric on-ball defender Cason Wallace also coming off the bench, Dort’s status as perhaps the best perimeter wing defender in the NBA, Holmgren's presumed ascension as a shot-blocker and the elite two-way abilities that SGA and Williams have, the sky’s the limit on that end of the floor.
Interestingly, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault was Caruso’s head coach for the Oklahoma City Blue of the G League in 2016-2017 and OKC was the first team to sign Caruso as an undrafted free agent. Now, they'll reunite.
This is the final year of Caruso's current contract and he will be eligible for an extension worth four years and about $80 million six months from now. OKC should also be able to create over $33 million in cap space this summer, which should allow them to bring in another difference-maker or two.
As a result of the trade, OKC’s title odds shifted from roughly +1000 to +900 across the industry and only the Celtics, Nuggets and Timberwolves all have shorter odds than them. This could be the best time to back the Thunder, though, and you can do it at +900 at BetMGM using our exclusive offer below. Assuming that they acquire a notable free agent or two and select an impact player in the 2024 NBA Draft, this could be the best price you'll get them at this offseason.
Josh Giddey To The Bulls
Meanwhile, the Bulls will utilize Giddey as a playmaking replacement to oft-injured Lonzo Ball. At just 21 years old, Giddey is widely considered to have high potential and didn’t fit into OKC’s plans, as it was obvious during the Thunder’s playoff run when he was repeatedly benched. In 80 regular season games played last season, he averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 25.2 minutes before 8.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 18.1 minutes in 10 playoff games.
Ball is technically under contract for next season after opting into his $21.5 million player option, but is uncertain to play due to the status of his knee. He’s missed two full seasons in a row. With DeMar DeRozan still unsigned and the team seemingly having a mutual willingness to part ways with Zach LaVine, this move could be the first in what could be a flurry of transactions in a Chicago rebuild.
Giddey is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal. If he doesn't land an extension from the Bulls, he will be a restricted free agent next summer. He should be able to have the ball in his hands a ton this season, something that couldn't happen in OKC due to the presence of MVP runner-up SGA.
The Bulls are +55000 to win the NBA title at FanDuel and the shortest odds they have are at 250/1. While they aren’t a team to back right now, this could be the first of many exciting moves the team makes this offseason to get younger and more dynamic, which is essential if they want to contend in the East anytime soon.