According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed to a trade involving their guards. Per Wojnarowski, the Bulls will send two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to the Thunder, whereas Oklahoma City will send guard Josh Giddey to Chicago.
BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Josh Giddey, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/V3t12MA3Uo
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2024
Caruso spent the last three seasons of his career with the Bulls. In that time, he averaged 7.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. In addition to his two All-Defensive Team selections, Caruso took home the NBA Hustle Award this season. Caruso has developed into one of the league’s best defenders and will make his impact felt with Oklahoma City.
The Thunder drafted Giddey with the No. 6 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Despite a solid first two seasons in the league, Giddey’s role diminished last season. During the 2023-24 season, Giddey averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists over 25.1 minutes per game. All these numbers were career lows for the 21-year-old. A move to Chicago could be just what Giddey needs to get back on track.
Bulls and Thunder Reportedly Swap Guards in Trade
The Thunder “Hope” They Can Extend Alex Caruso After Acquiring Him for Josh Giddey
One of Chicago’s potential motives behind trading Caruso is his contract. The guard has just one year remaining on his deal. However, Wojnarowski said that Oklahoma City is hoping Caruso will remain with the Thunder “for the long-term.”
“Caruso is entering the final year of his deal and becomes eligible for a four-year, approximately $80M extension exactly six months from the date of this trade. The Thunder made the trade with the hope to have Caruso as an integral player for the long-term.”
In addition to his incredible defense, Caruso offers championship experience. Caruso won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and started the series-clinching Game 6. Last season, the Thunder were the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. For a team already contending for a title, Caruso could have them take it to the next level.
Josh Giddey is Lonzo Ball’s Replacement?
According to Wojnarowski, “the Bulls have been determined to find a playmaker to replace Lonzo Ball.” Due to a knee injury, Ball has not played since January 14, 2022.
“The Bulls have been determined to find a playmaker to replace Lonzo Ball, and Giddey , 21, comes with an All-Star potential that would unlikely be realized with the Thunder because of the playmaking starpower who surrounded him. The Bulls will offer him an opportunity to have the ball in his hands and so much more freedom pass and score.”
Giddey is eligible for a contract extension this summer. Before his trade to the Bulls, he said he wanted to stay with the Thunder.
“I love it here. This is home away from home. I love everything about this place… I’m excited to be here. I’m excited to be with the guys.”
