The Josh Giddey and Alex Caruso swap was considered a winning trade for the Oklahoma City Thunder. While the OKC got a much-needed defensive player, the Chicago Bulls acquired a youngster filled with potential to become a star player. Yes, both teams have benefitted from this deal, however, the Thunder recently topped the West, and are expected to have a strong season ahead. They are led by five of their top talents, including Josh Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and emerging star Chet Holmgren. Giddey had a solid season recently, and while the Thunder are excited about playing with Caruso, their former second-overall pick wasn’t initially pleased with the trade deal.

Holmgren missed his expected rookie year (2022-23 season) due to a foot injury that he suffered in the Drew League. However, the 22-year-old recovered rather quickly and was back in action the following year. As a rookie, he averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, while shooting 53% from the field. He also ranked second in the ROTY voting. Nevertheless, Holmgren’s bond with Giddey and Co. was quite strong throughout the season, as he recently expressed in Paul George’s podcast.

“Yeah man, I was f****** hurt when, you know, I saw that Giddey is not gonna be on our team anymore. You know, we all rock with him, that’s our dawg. Still is. Yeah but, he’s go gonna do great things in Chicago so we’re excited for him,” Holmgren said on Podcast P. Giddey was one of the five players who led the Thunder to the first seed in the West. Josh put up 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Now, these numbers were not as attractive compared to his 2022-23 season stat sheet.

Still, Giddey was as productive on the floor as others. But what the Thunder really wanted was a consistent shooter and a reliable defender. Sadly, Giddey lacked in both aspects which may have resulted in the recent swap. However, many believe that Josh Giddey was traded to the Bulls because of the recent controversy he was involved in. Rather, this move by the Thunder may have to do more with the spacing issues. As they welcome Alex Caruso, the 30-year-old might just solve most of their problems.

Will Chet Holmgren get along with Caruso?

Caruso will be the oldest player on the roster alongside Holmgren. Not long ago, AC was a young asset helping out the Lakers in their championship run. Well, it’s about time that Caruso plays the role of a veteran and a contributor, as that will be his job in Oklahoma. He’s a consistent outside shooter, draining 40.8% from three last season. Not only that, but he also averaged over 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. And of course, his defensive prowess will definitely help the Thunder on the perimeter.

Chet Holmgren will have a more flexible time playing with Caruso. While Holmgren can look to take care of business in the paint, he can always rely on Caruso to splash from the outside. It will be an interesting pairing, given SGA’s leadership and scoring. Holmgren, Gilgeous-Alexander, Caruso, Jalen Williams, and Lu Dort will be the core of the Thunder team this upcoming season. It will be interesting to see whether OKC finishes as a top-three seed in the West.

What are your thoughts on Caruso joining Chet Holmgren and company? Do you think the Thunder can make a deeper run in the postseason? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.