Goodbye Giddey! It’s no secret that the Oklahoma City Thunder needed to make some moves this off-season. Despite defying all expectations and capturing the #1 overall seed in a loaded Western Conference with a 57-25 record, the Thunder weren’t ready to compete for a championship just yet.
Playoff Recap
The Thunder took care of a Zion-less New Orleans Pelicans team in the first round of the 2024 playoffs with an easy 4-0 sweep. After winning Game 1 of the second round against the Dallas Mavericks in dominant 117-95 fashion, the Thunder would only win 1 of their next 5 games and ultimately lose the series to Dallas, 4-2.
The series against Dallas shined a light on the few flaws the Thunder have. One of those flaws was Josh Giddey. Giddey, who was virtually unplayable in that series, ultimately got benched for Isaiah Joe and lost his minutes to Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace.
Giddey’s Diminished Value
Giddey, who the Thunder drafted #6 overall in 2021 as part of their rebuild efforts, was a bright light on the Thunder during his rookie and sophomore seasons. He excelled and made a name for himself as a talented playmaker and passer. However, with the ascension of Jalen Williams, or J-Dub, and the addition of Chet Holmgren to the 2023-24 roster, Giddey saw his offensive opportunities and production diminish.
Giddey’s decrease in production and on-court value, as well as the accusation that he had improper relations with a minor back in November 2023, prompted the Thunder to explore his value on the trade market. It’s worth noting he did not face charges or consequences from the NBA regarding the accusations, due to a “lack of corroborating evidence.”
Giddey for Caruso
Then, on June 21, the Thunder traded Giddey to the Chicago Bulls for Alex Caruso. Straight up, no picks included. The fact that the Bulls couldn’t get at least one draft pick out of the Thunder for Caruso, is shocking. But if there is one thing we know it is that OKC’s GM, Sam Presti, is a wizard.
Adding Caruso to a roster that already includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren makes OKC one of the premier defensive teams in the Association. Caruso was NBA All-Defensive Second Team last season and although he is entering the final year of his contract, the Thunder are in win-now mode and must act accordingly.
Looking Forward
With the NBA draft coming up tonight and OKC having yet another lottery pick, it will be interesting to see if they use it on a talented young prospect or package it in a trade for an established piece to continue putting together their puzzle. Regardless of what they do, the Thunder are posed and positioned to be one of the best teams in the NBA next year and the sky is the limit for this young group. OKC has had some exciting seasons and teams during its short history, but the 2024-25 team might just be the best one yet.
