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Alex Caruso started his professional career as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, just not at the NBA level. After going undrafted in 2016, he signed with the Oklahoma City Blue of the G-League. Since then, he’s reached high acclaim with the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, but apparently, his first team never forgot about him.
On Thursday, the Thunder landed Caruso in a deal with the Bulls in exchange for a young player who entered the league with far more fanfare. Josh Giddey, the No. 6 overall picks in the 2021 NBA Draft, will now move to Chicago and get a second chance in what will hopefully be more of an on-ball role. Giddey struggled in the playoffs for the Thunder because of his weakness as a 3-point shooter, but the rebuilding Bulls may have more on-ball opportunities available to him.
The deal marks the unofficial beginning of trade season. Caruso for Giddey is the closest thing we’ve gotten to a blockbuster so far in June, and here’s how both teams graded out in the deal.
Oklahoma City Thunder: A+
Alex Caruso was, without hyperbole, one of the most sought-after role players in the NBA for at least the past two years. He has defended both Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo at an extremely high level. He’s a brilliant connective passer and steadily improving 3-point shooter that made nearly 41% of his attempts last season. Oh, and he’s not even earning eight figures this season. He fits onto any roster and any balance sheet. So, naturally, he lands with the team that probably needs him the least.
Oklahoma City’s second- and third-best players are still on rookie deals. They ranked fourth in defense and led the NBA in 3-point percentage. Caruso is an absolute luxury to them. But oh my god, what an incredible luxury he is going to be.
The Celtics just won a championship in large part by acquiring an endless array of switchable perimeter stoppers. The Thunder now have Caruso, Lu Dort, Cason Wallace and Jalen Williams… with Chet Holmgren, who ranked third in the NBA in contested shots per game last season,…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-trade-grades-okc-gets-one-of-nbas-best-role-players-in-alex-caruso-while-bulls-land-work-in-progress/
Author : Sam Quinn
Publish date : 2024-06-20 22:41:57
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