Mar 31, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) runs down the court after a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Josh Giddey's Four-Word Message to OKC Thunder After NBA Finals

Originally posted on Chicago Bulls on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 9:37 AM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder went into the NBA Finals with heavy expectations, facing an Indiana Pacers team that most people assumed they would beat. However, the Pacers exceeded expectations, taking the Thunder to a Game 7.

Sunday's Game 7 was not as exciting as many hoped, largely due to an early Achilles injury to Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, but the Thunder ultimately got the job done with a 103-91 win to clinch their first championship since moving to Oklahoma City.

The @okcthunder are the 2024-25 NBA Champions! pic.twitter.com/EsPIcjgVFx
— NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2025

The Thunder were led by MVP point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but they certainly would not have done it without his incredible supporting cast. Oklahoma City's defense was remarkable, highlighted by guys like Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, and Alex Caruso. While they had a great team, one small trade last offseason could have been what took them over the hump.

Last summer, the Thunder traded Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Alex Caruso, who ended up being one of the most important players in their championship run. While many would assume Giddey has harsh feelings toward his former team, who won a championship after trading him away, the new Bulls star showed his support on Sunday night after Game 7.

Via Josh Giddey: "congrats to the guys"

Of course, Giddey likely would have preferred to be a part of a championship team, but the 22-year-old guard has an incredible debut season with the Bulls and is now expected to earn a healthy raise in free agency. The Thunder potentially could have still won with Giddey on the team, but Caruso was such a difference-maker.

This article first appeared on Chicago Bulls on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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