ICYMI: OKC Thunder Make Huge Deal With Chicago Bulls

The Oklahoma City Thunder have added a crucial piece in their run to Western Conference dominance, by trading for two-time All-Defensive Team member Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls, in return for Josh Giddey.

BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Josh Giddey, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/V3t12MA3Uo
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2024

It's a tremendous get for the Thunder, who now have rock-solid perimeter defense lined up with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, youngster Cason Wallace, and now Caruso. The Thunder also still have $30 million in cap space to spend this summer to upgrade at forward. They are also reportedly now hoping to lock up Caruso to a rich extension.

In an interesting side note, Caruso started his pro journey in 2016 with the Oklahoma City Blue of the G League, then coached by none other than Mark Daigneault. The reigning NBA Coach of the Year will now be Caruso's coach once again.

As noted by Adrian Wojnarowski, Giddey now gets the keys to the team in Chicago, who, with the constant uncertainty surrounding the ability of Lonzo Ball to ever return to full health, were determined to find a playmaker to run the show.

Giddey, 21, is a phenomenal passer, and can go on some shooting runs as well. But as Woj notes, he would never be able to realize his potential in the OKC backcourt as the ball needs to be in superstar Gilgeous-Alexander's hands, rightfully, the lion's share of the time.