The Chicago Bulls and the Oklahoma City Thunder made a significant trade recently. They exchanged guards Alex Caruso and Josh Giddey, as reported by ESPN. This move gives the Thunder a solid two-way guard in Caruso, who has proven himself as a valuable role player with the Bulls. Thunder GM Sam Presti has been interested in Caruso for some time, especially after his team’s success as the top seed in the Western Conference last season.
Caruso is well-known for his defensive abilities, having been named to the All-Defensive team twice during his seven-year NBA career. Last season, he made the second team All-Defensive with averages of 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. In addition to his defensive prowess, Caruso was part of the 2020 NBA championship team with the Los Angeles Lakers. He had a career-high average of 10.1 points per game last season, along with 3.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds over 71 games.
Joining a talented group of players in Oklahoma City, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, Caruso adds experience and skill to the team. On the other side of the trade, young talent Josh Giddey brings promise to the Bulls. At just 21 years old, Giddey has shown potential on both offense and defense, with the ability to record triple-doubles.
As the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Giddey is a versatile playmaker who can score, drive, and create opportunities for his teammates. With Lonzo Ball sidelined for the Bulls, Giddey has the chance to step up as a two-way guard for the team. Last season, he averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists over 80 starts.
It’s important to note that Caruso will be eligible for a contract extension in the near future, which the Thunder are reportedly interested in pursuing. The team hopes to secure Caruso long-term as they continue to build their roster. This trade has the potential to benefit both teams, providing them with valuable assets for the upcoming season.
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