Guard Alex Caruso and the Thunder have agreed to a four-year, $81M contract extension, Shams Charania of ESPN reviews.
In response to wage cap knowledgeable Yossi Gozlan, Caruso’s contract extension roughly breaks down like this — $18.1M for subsequent season, $19.55M for 2026-27, $21M for 2027-28 and $22.47M within the closing 12 months.
Caruso turned eligible for the $81M extension on Saturday. He was then allowed to signal for as much as 140% of this season’s estimated common wage ($12.93M). Earlier than Saturday, his most extension would have been price $48,875,400 over three years.
Caruso was because of turn out to be a free agent after the season. He’s within the closing 12 months of a four-year, $36.98M contract.
Caruso was traded straight up by the Bulls for Josh Giddey in June. He’s one of many NBA’s greatest perimeter defenders, incomes All-Defensive staff nods every of the previous two seasons.
The commerce led to the six-month restriction relating to his extension eligibility.
He began 57 of 71 video games with the Bulls final season however has come off the bench in all 19 video games wherein he’s performed this season. He’s averaging 5.7 factors, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and a career-high 1.9 steals in 20.2 minutes.
Caruso shot a career-best 46.8% from the sector final season however has struggled along with his capturing this season (38.5%). Nevertheless, he’s helped Oklahoma Metropolis turn out to be the league’s premier defensive membership. The Thunder have allowed the fewest factors per sport within the league. Additionally they high the league in defensive discipline aim share and 3-point share.
Caruso’s extension implies that the Thunder don’t have any unrestricted free brokers on the usual roster.
