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 successful the 2020 championship with the Lakers, has been the topic of commerce rumors for a number of years now. The Bulls have resisted presents constructed round draft picks all through his complete time in Chicago.

However in Giddey, the Bulls land a former No. 6 total 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 function diminished all through the postseason and he was benched within the closing two video games in opposition to 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 spot as a shooter will probably proceed to carry him again. He’s greatest 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 change 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 important rebuild round Giddey and Most Improved Participant runner-up Coby White.

As for the Thunder? They convey again a task participant who really began his profession of their group. The undrafted Caruso spent his rookie 12 months 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 function participant.

Caruso is without doubt one of the greatest 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 12 months of playoff expertise below their belts, Oklahoma Metropolis goes for it in 2025.