Oklahoma City is giving Alex Caruso a chance to show why he’s a 2x NBA All-Defensive Team guard. At this time the trade market is open for exploring more possibilities. However, for the 30-year-old point guard, he knows where he’s going to be for the next four years. Well, who doesn’t like confirmations? Especially in cases like contracts, it becomes important to know what the future looks like. And for, Caruso it’s going to be ‘thunderous’.

Alex Caruso is cashing in big time! The guard has reportedly signed a four-year, $81 million extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. This deal secures Caruso’s spot in OKC’s playoff push for years to come. Originally set to hit free agency in 2025, Caruso leaves behind his $37 million Chicago Bulls contract from 2021.

Such pleasant news deserves a special celebration. It didn’t take Haleigh Broucher to take to her IG Story to rejoice in her boyfriend’s latest contract. The former reality show star shared a post about Alex Caruso’s new deal and captioned it: “THUNDER UP.” Surely, the lady love is soaking up the joyous news as she too is eager to see how this latest contract works out for the 30-year-old.

Caruso might not have the best stats so far in the 2024/25 NBA season. But as we say, it’s the impact a player has that matters. And he’s been impactful and important for OKC Thunder. Hence, this decision of an extension. With a 5.7-point average, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, Alex doesn’t have the numbers to bring the spark to your eyes. However, when he’s on the court, he makes it a point to work with the team and support the others for the wins. And that truly matters in the long run.

Meanwhile, Thunder’s rising big man Chet Holmgren dropped a two-word shoutout for the defensive veteran on his social media. It’s safe to say, not just family but teammates are also happy with the major update on Alex Caruso.

Chet Holmgren’s take on Alex Caruso’s 4-year $81 million OKC Thunder extension

“Money Talks.” Chet Holmgren shared on his IG Story minutes after Shams Charania dropped the big news. The 22-year-old center seems happy that Alex Caruso got his well-deserved place in the team. Besides, in Holmgren’s absence since November 10 due to a right iliac hip fracture, the veteran guard has been doing fairly well for Oklahoma City.

Alex Caruso and Co. hasn’t skipped a beat since Chet’s absence. OKC has gone 14-3 without Holmgren, leading in the West (22-5). Moreover, the team is leading the show for the NBA’s defensive rating (103.0) and a major credit for the rank goes to Alex Caruso’s prowess. The Thunder acquired Caruso in a June trade with the Bulls in exchange for guard Josh Giddey.

Caruso lit it up in Chicago, cracking the Bulls’ starting lineup late in 2023-24. The veteran guard posted career-highs: 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.7 deflections per game. Caruso’s numbers have dipped since returning to a bench role in OKC. Add in a hip injury that kept him out for eight games in November, and it’s been a tough stretch.

Despite the ups and downs, OKC Thunder is keeping their faith in the veteran’s ability around the ball. It’s truly a day of celebration for Alex and his loved ones; his girlfriend is already in a celebratory mood. And joining hands with her,

Chet Holmgren is welcoming the team’s bold decision. Surely, the veteran is going to be around Thunder until 2028-29 and we’ll have enough time to understand how fruitful this choice is going to be.