Does Mikal Bridges trade show Thunder fleeced Bulls for Alex Caruso?

Anthony Pasciolla

Does Mikal Bridges trade show Thunder fleeced Bulls for Alex Caruso? image

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti is praised as one of the league's best, and rightfully so. 

The Thunder acquired guard Alex Caruso earlier this week in exchange for former No. 6 pick Josh Giddey, with no draft capital involved. Many were shocked the Bulls did not receive any draft assets in return for Caruso, who is regarded as one of the NBA's top backcourt defenders. The lack of return was brought further into the light on Tuesday evening, as the New York Knicks gave up four unprotected first-round picks in exchange for star Mikal Bridges.

While Caruso and Bridges are not in the same tier of players, it's hard to imagine four first-round picks separating the two. Chicago's front office is seemingly extremely high on Giddey's upside next to Most Improved Player runner-up Coby White, largely due to the flashes of elite playmaking. However, Giddey will need to progress into at least a one-time All-Star for this deal to be considered even in the future.

Anthony Pasciolla