The Chicago Bulls didn't need another reminder that they were wrong to let Alex Caruso go, or at least could've gotten more for him, but they got one on the first night of the NBA regular season. Before Oklahoma City and Houston tipped off, the Thunder received their championship rings and raised their banner. Afterward, they played in a double-overtime thriller, in which the Thunder won by one, 125-124.
Caruso finished with eight points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals, and one block in 30 minutes off the bench. He didn't have the best shooting night, going 3-of-9 from the field, but that's not why Oklahoma City traded for him in 2024. Caruso, who is 31 but is more like 40 when compared to his younger teammates, is still an elite defender. You can throw him on anyone, including Alperen Şengün and Kevin Durant.
You know who could use a player like that?
Alex Caruso comes up big (again) for OKC defensively in opening night win
The Bulls got Josh Giddey out of the Caruso trade (and it could've taken a different turn), and Giddey did exceptionally well toward the end of his first season in Chicago, receiving a four-year, $100 million extension over the summer as a restricted free agent. After the All-Star break (and the Zach LaVine trade), Giddey averaged 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game, shooting 50% from the field and 46% from three.
Caruso isn't the scorer that Giddey is — they're two different players. If Giddey can prove that last season, especially the second half of last season, wasn't a fluke, Chicago will be thrilled. If that doesn't happen, though, and the Bulls don't experience any real success, the trade (and extension) will go down as another poor decision made by the front office.
Meanwhile, Thunder fans couldn't be happier that the trade happened, although it meant parting with Giddey, the team's No. 6 pick in the 2021 draft. Giddey wanted a bigger role elsewhere, so Sam Presti granted his wish by sending him to Chicago. Oklahoma City received a championship defender in return, who helped the Thunder win a title of their own, and can help them win another (and another?).
In the end, it was a win-win move for Caruso and Giddey, but when it comes down to the Bulls and the Thunder, a clear winner has already been established. Oklahoma City was good without Caruso, but his addition helped put the Thunder even more over the top.