Two-time NBA All-Defensive Team guard Alex Caruso has agreed to a significant four-year, $81 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania on Sunday.
In late December, Caruso expressed his belief that Oklahoma City was a good fit for him. Speaking to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Caruso said, "Obviously this is a place that I think is ascending and that's something I want to be a part of." His commitment to the Thunder highlights his confidence in the team's future and his desire to contribute to its success.
A Key Player in the Thunder's Future
The extension ensures Caruso’s involvement in the Thunder's playoff aspirations for the foreseeable future. Originally set to become a free agent in 2025, Caruso's deal with Oklahoma City solidifies his long-term position with the team. Prior to the extension, he was finishing up a four-year, $37 million contract he had signed with the Chicago Bulls in 2021.
Trade to Oklahoma City and Career Impact
The Thunder acquired Caruso in a June trade with the Chicago Bulls, sending guard Josh Giddey to Chicago in return. In the 2023-24 season, Caruso played a crucial role in the Bulls’ starting rotation, showcasing his versatility and defensive prowess. During this time, he averaged a career-high 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, while leading the NBA with 3.7 deflections per night. His offensive output marked the best performance of his career, but things have shifted since his move to Oklahoma City.
Adjusting to a Bench Role
After transitioning to the Thunder, Caruso's role has shifted to coming off the bench. He has also dealt with a hip injury, which caused him to miss eight games in late November. Despite this, Caruso has contributed with averages of 5.7 points, 2.9 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks over 19 games. The Thunder are confident that Caruso will continue adapting to his new role and eventually return to his dominant defensive form.
Thunder's Defensive Upgrades
Following a disappointing second-round loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2023-24 postseason, the Thunder focused on improving their defense during the offseason. The additions of Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein were key to this strategy. Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87 million deal with the team in July. With both Caruso and Hartenstein now secured, Oklahoma City is optimistic that this defensive duo will play a significant role in the team’s efforts to support Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and pursue the franchise’s first NBA championship since 1979.