The Oklahoma City Thunder have traded Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls for Alex Caruso, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The shocking deal ends Giddey’s three-year tenure with the Thunder. He’s fresh off his worst season as he adjusted from being a primary ball-handler to an off-ball fourth option.
The 21-year-old entered this offseason with a chance to be extended by OKC. That never materialized and Giddey will head to Chicago, where he gets a chance to return to a familiar role of being a point guard with the ball in his hands.
In 80 games last season, Giddey averaged 12.3 points on 47.5% shooting, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists. He shot 33.7% from 3 on three attempts.
Meanwhile, Caruso strengthens the Thunder’s perimeter defense. The 30-year-old is a seamless fit for OKC and has been named to an All-Defensive Team for the last two seasons.
The 30-year-old has an expiring salary and will be owed $9.9 million next season. The Thunder hope to agree to a long-term extension with Caruso to make him part of their core. He will be eligible to sign a four-year, $80 million deal with OKC in six months.
In 71 games last season, Caruso averaged 10.1 points on 46.8% shooting, 3.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He shot 40.8% from 3 on 4.7 attempts.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]