When the Chicago Bulls dealt Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder last June, many fans were left scratching their heads. Caruso had become synonymous with grit and tenacity during his time with the Bulls, earning recognition as a fan favorite and two-time All-Defensive Team player. Not only was he known for his spirited play, but he also recently won the NBA Hustle Award, which honors players whose contributions often go unnoticed — think deflections, loose balls, and charges. Yet, as Chicago prepared to shift its roster under the direction of Vice President of Basketball Operations, Artūras Karnišovas, Caruso found himself on the move.
Now, less than six months later, Caruso has signed a four-year, $81 million contract extension with the Thunder — quite the reward for the undrafted player who averages just 6.8 points per game. The announcement came on December 24, just one day after he became eligible for the extension. While some may question the hefty price tag — averaging over $20 million per year for someone scoring only 5.5 points per game this season — it highlights the premium organizations like the Thunder place on solid defensive players.
After his trade, Caruso quickly established himself as indispensable. The Thunder posted the best record in the Western Conference at 23-5, and under head coach Mark Daigneault, they have become known for their league-leading defensive performances. With Caruso on the court, Oklahoma City allowed only 94.9 points per 100 possessions. Notably, opposing players shoot just 33% against him, demonstrating his elite level of defense.
The decision to move Caruso led to speculation about the Bulls’ approach under Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, who has seen similar situations lead to the exit of beloved players just before they were due for significant contract extensions. This philosophy — characterized by the phrase, "Organizations win championships" — underlines the risk involved with tightly intertwining player loyalty and front office strategy. Caruso himself admitted to the business side of basketball, stating, "That’s part of the business. When we don't win, stuff has to change." The grief among Bulls fans quickly turned to frustration as they recognized the impact of his absence during defensively challenging games.
Back at the United Center, the Bulls continued to struggle, suffering substantial losses against teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, where their defensive failings became glaringly apparent. Coach Billy Donovan lamented the void left by Caruso, stating, "There were times last year like, 'Oh my God, this is bad,' and Caruso fixes it. We don’t have him.” The Bulls have undoubtedly missed Caruso’s contributions, now left grappling with their identity and defensive issues as they navigate the season at 13-17.
Meanwhile, the Thunder appear to be on the cusp of something significant. With rising stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams fortifying the roster, their focus has turned toward the playoffs and the potential for their first championship title since the franchise’s days as the Seattle SuperSonics. Caruso’s addition along with his recent extension indicates the team's commitment to crafting a well-rounded squad where defense plays as much of a role as offensive prowess.
For the Thunder, Caruso’s defensive skills and spirited play are invaluable, especially as they prepare to compete against heavyweights within the league. This contract extension places him at the center of Oklahoma City’s defensive strategy moving forward, solidifying both his role and financial commitment to the organization.
While it’s still early to fully evaluate the long-term effects of the Caruso-Giddey trade, it’s clear the Thunder view Caruso as more than just another player. He’s become integral to their championship aspirations, and his success signals not only his potential but also the Thunder's intent to establish dominance. Fans and analysts alike will closely watch how the trajectories of both the Bulls and the Thunder evolve throughout the season, particularly how the absence of high-caliber players like Caruso affects Chicago’s gameplay, identity, and playoff hopes.
With Caruso now firmly at the Thunder’s helm, Oklahoma City has set its sight on creating not just competitive teams, but championship-caliber ones. The investment speaks volumes about their belief in building upon their current roster and prioritizing players who are capable of achieving greatness on both ends of the court. Look out for what promises to be an exciting season filled with potential for one of the NBA’s rising contenders.
