The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Chicago Bulls swapped their point guards in the first major trade of the NBA season. The Thunder acquired All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso from the Bulls while sending 2021’s sixth-overall pick Josh Giddey to Chicago.
Both teams confirmed the trade on their respective social media.
Caruso, who actually started his NBA career with Thunder’s G League affiliate Oklahoma City Blue, is considered one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and has earned his second NBA All-Defensive nod this past season. He also improved on the offensive end, averaging 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 40.8% from the three-point line.
The Thunder attempted to trade for Caruso ahead of the trade deadline, but the Bulls’ asking price was too steep for them at the time.
“Alex Caruso is a player we have always highly valued and followed. He is the quintessential Thunder player; he is an exceptional competitor and teammate with a multi-dimensional skillset,” said OKC’s general manager Sam Presti in a press release. “His presence and game will help elevate the core of our team as we continue to strive to build a sustainably elite program in Oklahoma City.”
Giddey, on the other hand, is expected to give Chicago playmaking it badly needs since point guard Lonzo Ball was sidelined with a knee injury in early 2022. The 21-year-old Australian averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 80 starts with the Thunder in 2023-24.
