The Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder have completed a trade deal involving Josh Giddey and Alex Caruso. The 21-year-old Giddey, a 6-foot-8 point guard from Australia, requested a trade from the Thunder after disagreements over his role on the team. Giddey had a challenging season with declining numbers and lost his starting position during the playoffs.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti stated that the team planned to use Giddey as a reserve in the upcoming season to maximize his talents and team efficiency. However, Giddey expressed interest in exploring other opportunities, leading to the trade agreement.
Giddey, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 draft, made the All-Rookie second team and is known for his exceptional passing and rebounding skills. Despite a drop in his statistics in the 2023-24 season, Giddey showed improvement towards the end of the season, especially after the Thunder acquired Gordon Hayward.
On the other hand, Alex Caruso, a 30-year-old guard, joins the Thunder after successful stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Bulls. Caruso, known for his defensive prowess, averaged a career-high 10.1 points last season and was named to the NBA All-Defensive teams in 2023 and 2024.
The Thunder also have Cason Wallace, a rising star at point guard, on their roster. The trade provides Giddey with a fresh start in Chicago and adds a versatile player in Caruso to the Thunder's lineup.
Both players bring unique skills and experiences to their new teams, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming NBA season.
For more NBA news and updates, visit AP NBA.
