Guard Alex Caruso opted to pass on the opportunity to test free agency next summer, having signed a new contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. It is reportedly a four-year, $81 million deal.
Caruso was in the final year of the four-year, $37 million contract he signed with the Chicago Bulls in 2021. He is making $9.9 million in base salary in 2024-25.
The OKC Thunder confirmed the extension on their official social media channels but didn’t disclose any details of the agreement.
Alex Caruso started his pro career with Thunder’s G League affiliate Oklahoma City Blue in 2016, spending one season with the team before signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. He went on to establish himself as a formidable defensive presence on the floor, helping the Lakers win the NBA title in 2020, before leaving for the Bulls as a free agent.
The Thunder were looking to bring Caruso back to OKC for several years and finally managed to make a deal with Chicago in the offseason in a trade that saw Josh Giddey head the opposite way.
Caruso hasn’t been lighting up the scoreboard this season, putting up 5.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. However, he has been a key piece in Thunder’s defense, which is the best in the league, and is currently averaging a career-high 1.9 steals per game.
“Really cool. I’m excited. The organization, the team and the city is everything I look for in a long-term partner. I’ve been excited and ecstatic for the first couple months I’ve been here,” Caruso said of his extension. “Everything seems to be going great. Hopefully we can find some success to back that up with the contract. Just excited to continue this partnership and be part of this organization. It’s been great so far and looking forward to it in the future.”
