The Oklahoma City Thunder's trade for guard Alex Caruso was named the second-best acquisition of the NBA offseason in a recent ESPN poll.
ESPN's Tim Bontemps surveyed 18 coaches, scouts and executives and voted Caruso's move to Oklahoma City as the second-best deal behind the Philadelphia 76ers signing Paul George.
- Paul George signs with the 76ers: 6 votes
- Alex Caruso traded to Thunder: 5
- Jalen Brunson signs contract extension with Knicks: 3
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signs with Orlando Magic: 2
- Rob Dillingham drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves: 1
- Brooklyn Nets traded for Mikal Bridges: 1
The Thunder acquired Caruso from the Bulls in June for backup guard Josh Giddey, and it was always expected the Thunder would offer him an extension as he entered the final year of his contract.
He's due to receive a four-year extension worth up to $80 million on Dec. 20. The timing of the deal allows Oklahoma City to see how Caruso fits into their young roster. He has two months to work out any potential issues, but it would be a shock if he doesn't sign the extension in December.
Caruso's numbers aren't the kind that would normally earn him a huge contract, but his defensive prowess is what makes him special: He was named to the All-Defensive Team the past two consecutive seasons and has emerged as one of the best lockdown guards in the NBA.
“Whether I get the recognition or not, I know I'm one of the best defenders in the league,” Caruso said in March when talking about making the All-Defensive Team. “Obviously, it's awesome. I made the first team last year, so I'm very proud of that. I think having the respect of the guys you're playing against and the guys you're going up against every night and saying it's a challenge and it's fun because it's a competition, I think that means just as much as winning first- or second-team All-Defensive honors.”
The Thunder enter next season hoping to make a breakthrough and become a true title contender after making a breakthrough in the 2023-24 regular season, clinching the top seed in the Western Conference but losing in the second round to the Dallas Mavericks.
Adding a stable veteran presence like Caruso to the natural development of the team's young talent could give Oklahoma City the advantage.
