The Oklahoma City Thunder are gearing up for the long haul and it appears Alex Caruso will have a big part to play in that after signing an extension.
A two-time All-Defensive Team member, Caruso has reportedly agreed to a four-year, $81 million deal that will keep him secure until 2028-29. He is earning $9.9 million this season. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the deal.
Oklahoma City Thunder two-time NBA All-Defensive Team guard Alex Caruso has agreed to a four-year, $81 million contract extension with the franchise, his agent Greg Lawrence of Wasserman told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/22YqvnXaOd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 22, 2024
Caruso was acquired by the Thunder via trade from the Chicago Bulls this past summer in exchange for Josh Giddey. In 19 games this season, Caruso has averaged 5.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and a career-high 1.9 steals in 20 minutes per game. The 30-year-old has added to Oklahoma City’s gauntlet of tough perimeter defenders alongside Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Thunder will certainly be hoping his 3-point shooting improves, as he’s currently connecting on just 27 percent of his attempts after shooting at a 40.8 percent clip last year and 36.4 percent the season before.
This is a full circle moment for Caruso, having gone undrafted in 2016 before joining the Thunder for training camp and then signing with the franchise’s G League affiliate OKC Blue.
Playoff Pedigree
As a young team hoping to contend for a championship this season, Oklahoma City viewed Caruso as an elite veteran defender with playoff pedigree. He was a pivotal role player for the Los Angeles Lakers during their 2020 championship run.
Now in his eighth season, Caruso has been long admired for his ability to apply ball pressure and wreak havoc in passing lanes, and he’s currently sixth in the league in deflections per game. In addition to the anticipation he shows in intercepting passes, Caruso has taken six charges this season, which is ninth-most league-wide. Every player ahead of him has played at least five more games.
Extension timing
Caruso was set to become a free agent this summer and became extension eligible on Dec. 21. General manager Sam Presti clearly didn’t want to waste any time in putting pen to paper and ensuring Caruso’s services are secured long term.
More than anything, the Thunder will be hoping he can stay healthy as he’s missed eight of their 27 games. Despite a few injuries, the Thunder are atop the Western Conference with a 22-5 record.
