It’s like a storybook ending for Alex Caruso’s basketball journey as he just signed the biggest deal of his NBA career so far with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the very first team that gave him a chance in 2017.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Caruso, who started his way up through the Oklahoma City Blue when he got undrafted in 2016, agreed to a four-year extension worth $81 million.
The 2020 champion, who was listed as the 59th best player entering a new season, has played 19 of the 27 game Thunder games so far averaging 5.7 points.
It’s not on the offensive side of things that OKC signed him for. Charania wrote:
Caruso is among NBA’s elite perimeter defenders, ranking in top five in deflections, field-goal % allowed as contesting defender and points per direct pick allowed as ball-handler defender, per ESPN Research.
Deal keeps Caruso out of free agency, under contract through 2028-29.
The 30-year-old guard was acquired by the Thunder before the start of the season by trading away Josh Giddey to the Bulls, a trade many say is more of a win for OKC than Chicago.
He more than doubled what he is earning from the four-year, $37 million contract he signed with his former team in 2021.
He will earn $18 million next season, $19 million in the next one, $20.9 million by 2027-2028, and $22 million by 2028-2029 season.
Williams duo react to Alex Caruso’s contract
Chrismast came early for Caruso and his young teammates want a piece of it.
Jalen Williams & Jaylin Williams might’ve had the best reactions on the Alex Caruso extension lol pic.twitter.com/DD06lyHvM3
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) December 22, 2024
Jalen Williams immediately turned to Instagram to celebrate his teammate’s achievement while calling him “old ass”
“Dinner on you buddy,” JDub wrote in an IG story.
Jaylin Williams wants a share, too.
“can I hold a few dollars @acfresh21,” he wrote.
Isaiah Hartenstein, who just like Caruso is among the newest Thunder, kept it simple.
“Congrats Killa” which was accompanied by dollar bags.
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