With the 2024 NBA Finals completed, the offseason is now right here for all 30 groups. Every entrance workplace has a distinct technique on how they wish to assemble their roster. The 2024 draft class is notably weaker than it has been up to now. Groups could possibly 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 change for Alex Caruso. Giddey misplaced his beginning spot to Isaiah Joe for OKC’s closing two postseason video games in 2024. Normal Supervisor Sam Presti has long-coveted Alex Caruso and Chicago was prepared to make a deal. The Thunder now have two of the perfect on-ball defenders within the league, Alex Caruso and Luguentz Dort.
Alex Caruso will assist convey one other stage 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 crew in 2022-23, Giddey improved his factors and rebounds per sport. Nevertheless, his averages took a step again this previous season regardless of enjoying a career-high 80 video games for the Thunder. Normal Supervisor Sam Presti felt the crew may use an improve to exchange Giddey and the Bulls had been prepared to make a deal occur.
Now, Alex Caruso is a member of the Thunder and will likely 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 take care of 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 night time along with his offensive ability set. Nevertheless, that Caruso goes to be a pest on the defensive finish and somebody your crew can depend on.
Alex Caruso—arguably the perfect guard defender within the NBA
ELITE influence 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 swap. 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 choices. They’ve are available every of his final two seasons. Caruso made the All-Defensive First Staff in 2022-23 and the All-Defensive Second Staff 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.