The NBA offseason has kicked off with a trade between the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder, as the Bulls sent guard Alex Caruso to the Thunder in exchange for guard Josh Giddey. The deal was announced on June 20, 2024.
Caruso is in the final year of his contract but becomes extension-eligible in November, potentially eligible to receive up to a maximum four-year deal worth about $80 million. The Thunder acquired Caruso with the intention of keeping him long term, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Giddey, who was drafted sixth overall by the Bulls in the 2023 NBA Draft, is a nifty passer and strong rebounder but cannot shoot or play defense at an elite level. He will be a restricted free agent after the 2024-25 season.
The Bulls decided to trade Caruso due to his upcoming raise and their recurring bottom-of-the-middle pursuits. The Thunder, on the other hand, are looking to contend for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and saw Caruso as a valuable addition with his multi-dimensional skillset and exceptional competitiveness.
The Chicago Bulls received mixed reviews for this trade, with some analysts praising the acquisition of Giddey's potential while others criticized the loss of Caruso's defensive prowess and leadership. The Thunder, on the other hand, were generally pleased with their addition of a proven veteran guard.
It remains to be seen how this trade will impact both teams in the long run. Stay tuned for more NBA offseason news and analysis.