Bulls should only have one regret about Giddey -Caruso trade despite OKC guard impact.

The Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder made an intriguing trade back in 2022 that sent the spotlight on Josh Giddey, a young point guard for the Thunder, and the defensive ace, Alex Caruso, for the Bulls. At the time, the deal was seen as a major move for both teams, with different expectations on either side. While Giddey’s development has been impressive in Oklahoma City, it’s crucial for Chicago to reflect on what they really gained and whether the trade left them with any regrets.

The Trade Context

The trade involved the Bulls sending Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City for a package that included Josh Giddey, the 21-year-old point guard known for his vision, passing, and basketball IQ. Caruso, on the other hand, was the quintessential 3-and-D player for Chicago, widely respected for his perimeter defense and ability to disrupt passing lanes. While Caruso’s value was undeniably high for the Bulls, they believed Giddey’s potential outweighed Caruso’s immediate contributions, especially considering their long-term aspirations.

For the Thunder, Giddey’s emergence as a dynamic playmaker, capable of orchestrating OKC’s offense, quickly became evident. His height (6’8″) and court awareness have made him a matchup nightmare for opponents, and he’s widely regarded as one of the brightest young stars in the league.

Giddey’s Impact in OKC

Giddey’s rise has been nothing short of impressive. Since joining the Thunder, his ability to facilitate offense has helped Oklahoma City reach new heights. By 2024, Giddey was averaging nearly 8 assists per game, playing a key role in the Thunder’s fast-paced, free-flowing offense. His chemistry with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been evident, with Giddey consistently setting up SGA for easy scoring opportunities.

His progression as a scorer has also improved, with Giddey becoming more aggressive in getting to the basket and hitting the mid-range shot. His overall versatility on the court, being able to facilitate, score, and rebound, makes him an invaluable asset. In a league that increasingly values multi-dimensional players, Giddey fits the mold perfectly.

Caruso’s Defensive Prowess

While Giddey has flourished in Oklahoma City, the Bulls have leaned heavily on their defense, and Caruso has continued to be one of the best defensive guards in the league. His impact isn’t always seen in the box score but is felt in every game he plays. Caruso’s ability to shut down opposing perimeter players, his disruptive nature on defense, and his leadership in Chicago’s locker room have been crucial for the Bulls. His defensive rating consistently ranks among the top in the league, and his off-ball movement has allowed the Bulls to remain competitive despite their offensive inconsistencies.

Caruso’s playmaking and leadership on the defensive end give the Bulls something unique, and it would be unfair to overlook the value he brings in key moments. His ability to guard multiple positions, paired with his unselfish play on offense, helps elevate Chicago in areas where Giddey doesn’t necessarily have an immediate impact.

What the Bulls Should Regret

So, if the Bulls are looking back, do they have any real regret about the trade? The answer lies in how they view their team’s future and the direction they’ve taken. For Chicago, the primary regret would not be about Caruso’s performance but rather the long-term fit of their roster. While Giddey’s development in OKC has been outstanding, the Bulls didn’t necessarily need another ball handler or playmaker. They already had DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and others who could create their own shots.

The regret here might be more in how Chicago has structured their roster. In an ideal world, Giddey could have been the long-term point guard to lead the team alongside LaVine and DeRozan, adding another layer of playmaking to an offense that has often sputtered. However, the Bulls’ issues seem to stem more from the lack of a true identity—whether they want to build around their star wings or shift to a more future-oriented rebuilding process with young players like Giddey.

The Bigger Picture

Even with Giddey flourishing in Oklahoma City, the Bulls’ long-term trajectory may still be on a different path. The trade that brought Caruso to Chicago solidified their defensive identity, which has helped them stay competitive. But as the NBA increasingly rewards offensive talent, the Bulls may find themselves needing more dynamic playmaking in the years ahead. While Giddey’s development is something to keep an eye on, Chicago’s regret isn’t necessarily tied to Giddey’s impact as much as it is in how their roster decisions have led them to a crossroads between contending and rebuilding.

In the grand scheme of things, the Bulls should have no major regrets about the trade with the Thunder, but the missed opportunity lies in finding that ideal balance between building for the future and remaining competitive. Giddey’s emergence only adds a layer of complexity to the situation, but Chicago’s path forward will need to focus on finding a balance of offense, defense, and star power to make the most of their assets.