It was a weekend of celebration, camaraderie, and a little bit of controversy as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso married Haleigh Broucher in Houston, just months after helping the Thunder secure their first NBA championship since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. The wedding, held at The Astorian on August 9, 2025, was not just a union of two lives but a reunion of teammates, friends, and basketball personalities from across the league. The event quickly became the talk of the basketball world, blending the euphoria of an NBA title with the joy of a new beginning for Caruso and Broucher.
Caruso, known for his relentless defense and signature headband, capped off a dream summer with this personal milestone. He and Broucher, a “Big Brother” Season 20 alum, both attended Texas A&M University but began dating after college. Their engagement, announced on Instagram in August 2024, had already generated plenty of buzz, but nothing quite matched the spectacle of their wedding weekend.
The guest list read like a who’s who of NBA defense. Thunder teammates Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort, Jaylin Williams, Isaiah Joe, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace, and Branden Carlson were all in attendance. The presence of Branden Carlson, recently signed to a 10-day contract with the Thunder during the 2024-25 season, added an extra layer of intrigue. Carlson’s short-term deal was a direct response to the team’s roster challenges following Holmgren’s injury. For Carlson, this opportunity was more than just a stopgap—it was a chance to prove he belonged in the league. As the Thunder navigated their roster needs, Carlson’s performance during this window would be closely watched, with the potential to turn a brief stint into a long-term NBA career.
But it wasn’t just about the basketball. The Thunder’s championship run had fostered a tight-knit culture, and that brotherhood was on full display in Houston. In a playful nod to their recent triumph, Holmgren posted a Snapchat photo of himself and his OKC teammates—Dort, Williams, Joe, Hartenstein, Wallace, and Carlson—holding up their ring fingers. The image, which quickly made the rounds on social media, captured the spirit of unity that propelled the Thunder to their historic victory over the Indiana Pacers in a dramatic Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
“A night to remember,” Broucher wrote on Instagram, sharing footage of the couple’s reception by wedding content creator BTS Bride. The video showed the newlyweds walking into the reception, dancing, and cutting their wedding cake, before a clip of the Thunder teammates mingling together. The celebration was not just about basketball glory but about friendships forged in the crucible of competition and the shared pursuit of greatness.
Of course, no high-profile event is complete without a little controversy. Chet Holmgren, the Thunder’s 7-foot power forward, turned heads with his choice of attire: an all-white checkered suit, maroon dress shirt, sunglasses, and gold chains. In Western wedding tradition, white is typically reserved for the bride, and Holmgren’s bold fashion statement drew immediate criticism on social media. “Why is he wearing white at someone else’s wedding? That’s so rude,” one user commented. Another joked, “Chet is dressed like he wasn’t invited,” while someone else quipped that he looked like “an Elvis impersonator.”
Holmgren wasn’t alone in his fashion risk. Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine, another guest at the wedding, also donned an all-white suit, complete with a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, as seen in Instagram photos posted by his wife, Hunter. The sight of multiple guests breaking with tradition only added fuel to the online debate, but the wedding party seemed unfazed, choosing instead to focus on the joy of the occasion.
The NBA connections didn’t stop with the Thunder. Caruso’s former Chicago Bulls teammates—Coby White, Javonte Green, and Ayo Dosunmu—also made the trip to Houston. The trio posed together in headbands, a tribute to Caruso’s trademark look from his Bulls days between 2021 and 2024. Their presence underscored the respect and admiration Caruso has earned throughout his career, from undrafted rookie to two-time NBA champion.
For Branden Carlson, the wedding provided a unique off-court moment amid a pivotal on-court opportunity. Signed to a 10-day contract in response to Holmgren’s injury, Carlson found himself thrust into the heart of a championship roster. The Thunder’s decision to bring him in was a calculated gamble, one that reflected both immediate roster needs and a willingness to take chances on promising but unproven talent. Short-term contracts in the NBA are notoriously high-pressure, offering little security but immense potential rewards. If Carlson could adapt quickly and contribute, he might just secure a longer-term deal and a permanent spot in the league.
Historically, players who have made the leap from 10-day contracts to full-time NBA roles serve as inspiration for Carlson and others in similar situations. The Thunder’s willingness to invest in such players speaks to a broader strategy of building depth and flexibility, especially crucial during seasons marked by injuries and roster upheaval. As the Thunder look to defend their newly won title, every roster move is under the microscope, and Carlson’s journey will be one to watch.
Meanwhile, the wedding itself was a testament to the bonds that extend beyond the hardwood. The presence of so many current and former teammates, the playful tributes, and the shared sense of accomplishment all pointed to a franchise culture that values both winning and togetherness. For Caruso and Broucher, whose paths to fame were so different—one in the NBA, the other in the world of reality television—the wedding marked the start of a new chapter, blending their unique stories into a shared future.
As the celebrations wind down and the focus shifts back to basketball, the Thunder find themselves in an enviable position. With a championship under their belt, a roster full of talent, and a culture built on trust and resilience, the stage is set for another run at NBA glory. For now, though, the memories of a night filled with laughter, love, and a little bit of fashion controversy will linger—a reminder that sometimes, the best victories happen off the court.
