It’s official, the NBA offseason is here! This Thursday evening, a totally unexpected Woj Bomb fell: Alex Caruso has just been transferred from the Bulls to the Thunder against Josh Giddey!
So no one saw that coming.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski ofESPNthe Bulls and the Thunder have therefore reached an agreement on a transfer:
- Direction Oklahoma City : Alex Caruso
- Direction Chicago : Josh Giddey
WHATTTYT !!!!!! CARUSO TRADE CONTRE JOSH GIDDEY OMG !!!!
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) June 20, 2024
We knew that Josh Giddey was no longer in the odor of sanctity in Oklahoma City, he who showed his limits in the Playoffs due in particular to a major weakness in outside shooting. While the Thunder have a young and very promising core (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams…), we will soon have to take out the checkbook to keep everyone in the long term and keep Giddey was therefore no longer in Sam Presti’s plans.
But if a trade for the Australian leader was more or less predictable, we didn’t think it would be for Alex Caruso!
Caruso is a defensive benchmark in the NBA (twice All-NBA Defense), an experienced player who won a ring (2020 at the Lakers), an offensive connector, and a player capable of planting 3-pointers. If his stats are not crazy (10 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1 block, 1.7 steal), he is one of those valuable role players who are highly sought after in the NBA. He is now arriving in OKC and could well help the Thunder take another step forward. As Woj indicates, Caruso is nevertheless entering the final year of his contract and will be eligible for an extension estimated at $80 million.
Masterclass by Sam Presti.
You didn’t want to extend Giddey.
You needed experience.
You needed a guy with rings.
You didn’t want to drop your level.
And if possible, remain a monster in defense.
Alex Caruso at the Thunder is a gem.
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) June 20, 2024
On the Bulls side, what’s the plan?
That’s probably still what Chicago fans are wondering, who perhaps were hoping for more than just Josh Giddey in exchange for the bald god. The Bulls have been missing a leader since Lonzo Ball’s major injury struggles, and see Giddey as the point guard of the present but also of the future (only 21 years old). Despite his flaws, the Australian is a versatile player with clear playmaking qualities. We will see the impact he will have in a new configuration around him, but it is an opportunity for Giddey to make a fresh start.
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Source text: ESPN
No guarantees regarding Lonzo Ball in Chicago, there has been the good development of Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu.
Josh Giddey will try to find a place with the Bulls, while waiting to see what will happen with LaVine and DeRozan this summer.
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) June 20, 2024
But how did OKC give up zero Draft picks for Caruso?!?
Ok you let go of Giddey but it wasn’t the Bulls who asked for a minimum of 2 picks against the divine bald man?
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) June 20, 2024
2024-06-20 21:34:00
#Alex #Caruso #transferred #Thunder #Josh #Giddey
