Oklahoma City Thunder Acquires Alex Caruso In Trade For Josh Giddey

Oklahoma City and Chicago have exchanged guards, with the Thunder acquiring Alex Caruso from the Bulls in return for Josh Giddey on Thursday. ESPN initially reported the trade, which will become official on July 6. Caruso, 30, is recognised as one of the NBA's top defenders, having been named to two All-Defensive teams.

Caruso is also seen as a crucial role player for a potential championship contender, having helped the Los Angeles Lakers secure the 2019-20 title. The Thunder concluded the past season with the Western Conference's best record but were eliminated in the semi-final round of the play-offs by the Dallas Mavericks.

The Chicago Bulls are trading Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey, sources confirmed to ESPN. The trade was announced on June 20, 2024, via a tweet from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Breaking: The Chicago Bulls are trading Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey, sources tell @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/EBROYcXoQ3

— ESPN (@espn) June 20, 2024

A seven-year NBA veteran, Caruso averaged career highs of 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds this past season. He also contributed 3.5 assists and 1.69 steals while starting in 57 of 71 games.

Giddey, selected sixth overall in the 2021 draft, started 80 games for the Thunder last season. However, his numbers declined from the previous year. After averaging 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists in his second season, Giddey averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 boards and 4.8 assists in 2023-24.

Additional Context

Giddey is a career 46.4 per cent shooter from three-point range. He was investigated for an improper relationship with an underage girl, but neither the NBA nor police could corroborate any criminal activity. Consequently, the NBA dropped its investigation.

This trade marks a significant move for both teams as they aim to strengthen their rosters ahead of the upcoming season.