Mar 31, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) reacts during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Caruso 'Caught Off Guard' By Trade to OKC Thunder

Originally posted on Oklahoma City Thunder on SI
By Rylan Stiles | Last updated Jun 24, 2024 6:30 PM ET

On Thursday, the Oklahoma City Thunder made a win-now move. Fresh off a 57-win season, the Thunder became the youngest No. 1 seed in NBA history, winning their first playoff series since 2016 and earning just their second sweep in franchise history.

Despite the success of their 2023-24 campaign, it was clear that they reached a crossroads with their former No. 6 overall pick Josh Giddey. The ultra-talented guard was playing in a role not suited for him and often looked like OKC was trying to fit a square peg through a round hole.

Entering a contract year, Giddey was going to be a contributor to the Thunder's bench mob which led the 21-year-old to inquire about a trade - OKC top executive Sam Presti acted fast in shipping him to the Windy City in favor of defensive ace Alex Caruso.

Alex Caruso said he was at home in Austin, Texas about to go golfing when he found out he was traded. “just kinda took it all in stride. Had a lot of texts, FaceTimes and calls to answer” said “tried to digest everything and figure out how it’s going to look”
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) June 24, 2024

The 30-year-old champion was set to go hit golf balls back at home in Austin, Tex. but before leaving for the links, Caruso's phone was sent ablaze from his agent, then by Presti, with teammates, friends and family to follow.

"I was caught a little off guard," Caruso admitted at his introductory press conference to local media in Oklahoma City.

Despite hearing some of the rumblings of trade rumors, the defensive ace did not know when to expect that call to uproot his life to a new city. However, Caruso expressed comfortability in familiarity throughout his press conference.

This article first appeared on Oklahoma City Thunder on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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