The Bulls and Thunder have made a big trade ahead of the NBA Draft.

Alex Caruso in Thunder jersey and Josh Giddey in Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are trading two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Josh Giddey, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

In a surprising move, the Bulls and Thunder have come together to make a trade that makes a lot of sense for both teams involved.

Giddey, who has always been recognized for his playmaking abilities as a longer, taller guard, now joins a Bulls team that has been in dire need of another ball handler in their backcourt next to Coby White. Chicago has long looked to replace Lonzo Ball, who continues to deal with career-threatening knee injuries, and now they have done so with their acquisition of Giddey.

The Thunder claimed the top spot in the Western Conference during the regular season with an impressive 57-25 record. Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have gone from being one of the youngest teams in the league to one of the favorites to win the NBA Finals.

After reaching the Western Conference Semifinals, executive Sam Presti ultimately made the move to bring in Caruso, who adds championship experience and a strong defensive presence on the perimeter.

Caruso, whom many teams around the league had tried to pursue ahead of the 2024 NBA trade deadline, was a coveted player on the Bulls’ roster. With the team still in the hunt for the playoffs, Chicago’s front office made the decision to turn down offers involving first-round draft picks in order to keep the defensive star.

A few months later, the Bulls have now moved on from Caruso for a 21-year-old playmaker who can bring the ball up the floor and still has room for immediate growth.

At 30 years old, Caruso will immediately boost the Thunder’s chances of making a serious title push, but he is entering the final year of his contract.

He will become eligible for a four-year, $80 million extension with Oklahoma City in six months from the time of this trade, according to Wojnarowski. It is expected that Presti and the Thunder will immediately look to sign Caruso to a new long-term deal once he is eligible.

Giddey is also entering the final year of his rookie contract and will make $8.3 million during the 2024-25 season. This trade now gives the Bulls a look at a highly rated young talent who could become the franchise’s primary facilitator and playmaker for many years to come.

The former Thunder first-round pick will suddenly become a focal point in Chicago next to the likes of DeMar DeRozan and White. Many around the league are anticipating the Bulls to make further moves, as All-Star swingman Zach LaVine is another player the organization has been looking to trade.

Along with LaVine, the Bulls have other assets they could look to leverage in order to make immediate roster upgrades, including the 11th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on June 26. The Thunder will pick one spot behind the Bulls at 12th overall.