The Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder have made a blockbuster trade, with the Bulls acquiring guard Alex Caruso from the Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey, according to multiple reports.
Caruso, a two-time All-Defensive Team guard, has been pursued by Thunder general manager Sam Presti for some time. He shot 41% on 3-pointers and ranked fourth in steals in the NBA last season. Caruso was also second in defensive half-court matchups against NBA All-Stars, trailing only Luguentz Dort on the Thunder.
Giddey, who was the No. 6 pick in the 2021 NBA draft, is being traded to the Bulls from the Thunder. He is a creative young playmaker and will be offered an opportunity to have more freedom to pass and score with his new team.
The trade comes after Giddey's role with the Thunder evolved, leading to a decrease in his scoring average from 16.6 points last season to 12.3 points this season. He has 11 career triple-doubles, fourth most by a player age 21 or younger.
Caruso's addition gives the Thunder three of the best on-ball defenders among league guards: Caruso, Dort and Cason Wallace.
The Bulls have been determined to find a playmaker to replace Lonzo Ball, and Giddey comes with All-Star potential that would be unlikely to be realized with the Thunder due to the star power surrounding him. Point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the MVP runner-up this past season, and there is an expectation that the franchise wants to give 7-footer Chet Holmgren even more playmaking duties.
Caruso will be eligible for a four-year, $80 million contract extension six months from the date of this trade. He is entering the final year of his contract.
Giddey is eligible to negotiate a rookie-scale extension as a member of the 2021 draft class.
It should be noted that there were reports earlier this season that Giddey was under investigation for an improper relationship with an underage girl, but no criminal activity was found. His play suffered in the second half of the regular season after a trade for Gordon Hayward, and his playing time was significantly cut in the playoffs.
The NBA investigated Giddey during the season and later dropped its investigation.
