The Oklahoma City Thunder have just made a bold move to keep a key player on their roster, locking down reserve shooting guard Alex Caruso with a four-year, $81 million contract extension. Caruso’s agent, Greg Lawrence of Wasserman, confirmed the deal to Shams Charania of ESPN, securing the 30-year-old guard’s future with the team for the long haul.
Caruso, who was brought to Oklahoma City this summer in a trade with the Chicago Bulls, has quickly become a vital piece of the Thunder's defensive puzzle. The trade, which involved swapping Caruso for former lottery pick Josh Giddey, raised some eyebrows at the time. Giddey had fallen out of favor with head coach Mark Daigneault by the playoffs last year, and the Thunder’s move to send him to Chicago, along with a first-round draft pick, seemed like a fresh start for both sides.
It’s hard to ignore the unexpected nature of this trade. Oklahoma City had managed to offload a hefty contract—Gordon Hayward’s washed-up deal—without even parting with a second-round pick, which was a huge win for the Thunder. Chicago’s front office, led by team president Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley, clearly saw Giddey as a valuable asset for their future, so they were willing to let go of Caruso without asking for more compensation in return.
At the time of the trade, the expectation was that Caruso, a seasoned two-way player with championship experience, would be a solid addition to a Thunder team that had finished last season with the top record in the Western Conference (57-25). His defensive prowess was the primary reason for his acquisition, but the Thunder also hoped his leadership and playoff experience would help a young team with aspirations of winning it all. After all, Caruso was coming off a career-best season with the Bulls in 2023-24, where he had averaged 10.1 points per game, shooting an impressive .468 from the field and .408 from beyond the arc. He also contributed 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game in 71 appearances, a career-high in games played.
The addition of Caruso to the Thunder’s roster made sense for many reasons. Oklahoma City’s defense was already solid, but adding a veteran defensive ace like Caruso seemed like the perfect way to tighten things up even more. The Thunder’s roster, which already featured impressive wings like Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace, along with young centers Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, became even more menacing with Caruso on the court.
Fast forward to the current season, and Caruso’s role with the Thunder has evolved. So far, he’s played in 19 games, all as a reserve, and his numbers have taken a dip compared to last season. He’s averaging just 5.7 points per game on shooting splits of .385/.270/.778. While he’s still contributing in other areas, with 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, his scoring has clearly taken a hit. It’s worth noting that Caruso’s minutes have been reduced this season, dropping from 28.7 minutes per game to just 20.2, which could explain some of the dip in production. However, there’s no clear explanation for his struggles with shooting consistency.
Despite the drop in scoring, Caruso remains one of the top defensive players in the league. His two All-Defensive Team selections with the Bulls are a testament to his ability to lock down opposing players and make game-changing plays. This year, he continues to be a vital part of the Thunder’s top-ranked defense, providing a strong perimeter presence alongside the likes of Dort, Wallace, and the towering Holmgren and Hartenstein in the paint. Caruso’s value goes beyond just the box score, as his leadership and ability to make clutch plays on both ends of the floor have made him a key part of Oklahoma City’s success.
It’s exciting to think about what this extension means for the Thunder’s future. With Caruso locked in for the next four years, the team has secured a reliable veteran presence who can help guide their young core as they continue to develop and contend for championships. Caruso’s contract extension not only rewards him for his hard work and dedication but also serves as a statement of intent from Oklahoma City—they are serious about competing at the highest level.
Looking ahead, Caruso’s role with the Thunder may continue to evolve as the team’s younger players mature and the roster shifts. Whether he’s contributing as a starter or coming off the bench, his impact will be felt in ways that go beyond the stat sheet. His defense, leadership, and experience will be crucial as the Thunder aim to build on their success and make a deep playoff run in the coming years.
This contract extension is a win for both Caruso and the Thunder. Caruso gets the security of a long-term deal, while Oklahoma City gets to keep a player who embodies the grit and determination that the team’s culture is built on. With a core group that includes some of the most exciting young talent in the league, Caruso’s presence will only elevate their potential.
For Thunder fans, this is an exciting time. The team is not only on the rise, but they’re also making moves to ensure they stay competitive for years to come. As the Thunder continue to build a championship contender, Alex Caruso will be there, playing his part in what promises to be an exciting and successful future for the franchise.
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