According to ESPN, Alex Caruso, the two-time NBA All-Defensive Team guard, has reportedly signed a lucrative four-year, $81 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The announcement came from ESPN's Shams Charania, highlighting Caruso's defensive prowess within the league.
This deal secures Caruso's place with the Thunder through the 2028-29 NBA season, effectively keeping him off the free-agent market. Known as one of the NBA’s elite perimeter defenders, Caruso ranks among the top five players for deflections, field-goal percentage allowed as a contesting defender, and points per direct pick allowed as the ball-handler defender, as stated by ESPN Research.
Caruso considered the Thunder to be the right fit for him, stating to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, "Obviously this is a place I think is ascending, and that's something I want to be a part of." His commitment to the Thunder indicates he will be pivotal for the team's playoff ambitions moving forward.
Caruso's new contract signifies faith from the Thunder's management, particularly following their disappointing second-round playoff exit against the Dallas Mavericks last season. After spending the previous seasons with the Chicago Bulls, including signing a four-year deal worth nearly $37 million, Caruso joined the Thunder through a trade earlier this summer, with guard Josh Giddey heading to Chicago.
His performance with the Bulls saw him average 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, where he ranked first in the NBA for deflections at 3.7 per night. While transitioning to his new role with the Thunder, Caruso's statistics have dipped, as he averages 5.7 points, 2.9 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks through 19 games, partially due to missing time with hip injury.
The Thunder have also bolstered their roster by adding Isaiah Hartenstein through free agency to complement Caruso’s defensive capabilities. Together, they form what Oklahoma City hopes will be a strong defensive front, aiming to guide standout players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander toward the franchise's first championship since 1979.
This extension places Caruso among other key players who have recently signed contract extensions; he joins 21 others post-July 1 who have also committed to their teams for the future. The Thunder currently boast the best record in the Western Conference at 22-5, leading the NBA with superior defensive ratings, highlighting the effectiveness of their new acquisitions who significantly impact their game.
Fans and analysts alike reacted to the contract extension news. While many expressed support and congratulated on Caruso's financial success with reactions like "Get yo bag twin I c u 💪," others highlighted concerns about his offensive efficiency, criticizing the decision to invest over $20 million annually for what some perceive as lack of scoring punch.
Caruso himself reflected on his time with the Lakers, acknowledging mixed thoughts about leaving the team where he enjoyed early NBA success alongside superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. "Yeah, definitely," he recalled speaking to FOX Sports, "Just because of how well I played with them...I definitely have always thought about what could've been. Those guys are like my brothers, and we've been through a lot together.”
Despite some fans questioning his offensive contributions, Caruso has proven time and again his value transcends beyond points scored. Now, he looks to navigate his new chapter with the Thunder, embodying the hard work and versatility required as they seek to solidify their playoff position and work toward championship contention.
With Caruso's extension and his commitment to the Thunder, Oklahoma City appears poised not only for transformation but also for competitive efficacy as the season progresses. The basketball community watches closely to see how the dynamic defensive duo of Caruso and Hartenstein help redefine the Thunder's defensive identity for years to come.
