JOSH GIDDEY
CHICAGO BULLS
ALEX CARUSO
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Baro’s Analysis:
I’m a diehard Bulls fan, so I feel qualified to give my take. In short “Ruso” is a fan favorite who really put in work during his 2.5 years in Chicago. His effort and defensive playmaking will be remembered for a long time. That said, I’m glad he’s now in a situation to compete for another title. Caruso’s a classic, “winning piece,” who should legitimately be playing in meaningful games.
As far as us…well, acquiring Giddey is a gamble from a basketball standpoint. Giddey iss up for a contract extension - the Bulls need to make a predictive move on his future success in Chicago: if he isn’t signed to a long-term deal prior to November, he will hit unrestricted free agency in 2025. It’s likely make an offer but hopefully it is a direct indicator of a rebuild. Trading for Giddey, with no picks attached, better be a precursor to a fire sale. Alongside the right parts, he can have a solid turnaround in 2024-25. In an uptempo setting, Giddey has decent potential w/ Coby White. I love Ron Holland as another piece if he falls to #11, but I digress.
We’ll see if it pays off. I just hope we finally make some moves this offseason. It’s time to move to the next wave of Bulls basketball.
-Delaybaro