Let the 2024 NBA offseason begin.
The Thunder have acquired defensive ace Alex Caruso from the Bulls for Josh Giddey, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The trade lands Oklahoma City one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, as Caruso is coming off of back-to-back All-Defensive Team selections. Chicago returns an extremely skilled playmaker in Giddey, who is only 21 years old and was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
For more information on the first big trade of the next NBA season, The Sporting News has you covered below.
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Thunder-Bulls trade details
Thunder acquire:
- Alex Caruso
Bulls acquire:
- Josh Giddey
The trade has been reported as a one-for-one swap with the Thunder sending Giddey to the Bulls for Caruso, per Wojnarowski.
The deal makes plenty of sense for both sides.
Oklahoma City's rebuild is well ahead of schedule after finishing first in the West this past season. Acquiring a lockdown perimeter defender like Caruso could have been the difference between the Thunder winning and losing against the Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals.
The 30-year-old perfectly fits OKC's expedited timeline, bringing championship DNA to a young team that was only a few wins shy of reaching the NBA Finals this past season.
As for Chicago, it is likely headed toward a rebuild. Acquiring a 21-year-old guard with plenty of untapped potential can only help its future plans. Giddey's shooting limitations got him benched in the 2024 NBA Playoffs but there is no denying that he is one of the best passers in the league.
He averaged at least six assists per game in each of the first two seasons of his career before his playing time took a slight step back this past season. Giddey offers a rare blend of size and skill as a 6-8 point guard. His ability to elevate scorers around him will only help Bulls star guard Coby White.
This trade feels like a rare win-win for both sides.
Alex Caruso contract details
Caruso has one year and $9.9 million remaining on the four-year, $37 million deal he signed with the Bulls back in 2021. Caruso is eligible for a four-year, $80 million extension with the Thunder, per Wojnarowski.
You can find his remaining contract details below.
| Year | Age | Value |
| 2024-25 | 30 | $9.9 million |
| 2025-26 | 31 | UFA |
UFA = Unrestricted free agent
Josh Giddey contract details
Giddey is still on his rookie contract, set to earn $8.4 million during the 2024-25 season before hitting restricted free agency. He is also eligible for a contract extension this offseason.
You can find his remaining contract details below.
| Year | Age | Value |
| 2024-25 | 22 | $8.4 million (TO) |
| 2025-26 | 23 | RFA |
TO = Team option
RFA = Restricted free agent
