With the 2024 NBA Finals completed, the offseason is now right here for all 30 groups. Every entrance workplace has a special technique on how they wish to assemble their roster. The 2024 draft class is notably weaker than it has been prior to now. Groups might be extra inclined to commerce for a participant this offseason. That’s what the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder did yesterday.
Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Thunder traded Josh Giddey to the Bulls in trade for Alex Caruso. Giddey misplaced his beginning spot to Isaiah Joe for OKC’s last two postseason video games in 2024. Common Supervisor Sam Presti has long-coveted Alex Caruso and Chicago was prepared to make a deal. The Thunder now have two of the very best on-ball defenders within the league, Alex Caruso and Luguentz Dort.
Alex Caruso will assist carry one other degree of depth to the Thunder’s protection in 2024-25
BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are buying and selling two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder for guard Josh Giddey, sources inform ESPN. pic.twitter.com/V3t12MA3Uo
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2024
Within the 2021 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder used the sixth general decide on Josh Giddey. Throughout his second season with the group in 2022-23, Giddey improved his factors and rebounds per sport. Nonetheless, his averages took a step again this previous season regardless of enjoying a career-high 80 video games for the Thunder. Common Supervisor Sam Presti felt the group may use an improve to exchange Giddey and the Bulls have been prepared to make a deal occur.
Now, Alex Caruso is a member of the Thunder and might be an integral a part of their defensive identification. For the final three seasons, Caruso had been a member of the Chicago Bulls. He signed a four-year, $36.9 million cope with Chicago. Caruso is heading into the ultimate season of his deal. The 20-year-old has been one of the coveted function gamers over the previous couple of seasons. He’s by no means going to blow you away every evening together with his offensive talent set. Nonetheless, you understand that Caruso goes to be a pest on the defensive finish and somebody your group can depend on.
Alex Caruso—arguably the very best guard defender within the NBA
ELITE affect metrics. Sick defensive occasion creation. All-time rhythm disruptor. 82 passes stolen (most per min in NBA). Bodily display navigator. Good luck posting up on a change. AND a transition menace & spot-up shooter. pic.twitter.com/3rTOTBGoLv
— NBA College (@NBA_University) June 21, 2024
Throughout his seven-year NBA profession to date, Alex Caruso has two All-Defensive alternatives. They’ve are available every of his final two seasons. Caruso made the All-Defensive First Group in 2022-23 and the All-Defensive Second Group in 2023-24. Now, the Bulls have three high-level on-ball defenders Alex Caruso, Luguentz Dort, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Anticipate the Thunder to be one of many prime defensive groups within the NBA subsequent season.
