The Oklahoma City Thunder are keeping Alex Caruso as the team’s spending skyrockets with max extensions kicking in for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. Caruso is entering the second season of a four-year contract worth $81 million, but moving him is a non-starter. The Thunder love his defense and leadership. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Anthony Slater reported Caruso is a member of their core, and the playoffs only further proved that.
The 6’5 wing averaged 11.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.4 steals in 23.5 minutes per game. He shot 44.6 percent on his 3-point attempts and guarded every position on the floor. The Thunder used Caruso against Victor Wembanyama for stretches. He shines in the biggest moments and raises his team’s ceiling.
The Thunder are projected to be $28.5 million over the second apron, which has them looking to dump some mid-tier salaries. OKC is keeping Holmgren, despite his playoff struggles. They are building around their three stars and Caruso moving forward.
Alex Caruso is locked in with the Thunder
Caruso won a championship with the Lakers in 2020 and played a key role in Oklahoma City’s 2025 title. LeBron James heaped praise on the wing for his ability to make winning plays. Caruso always sinks the big-time shot, can defend anyone, and is never afraid to turn down a look to get a better shot for someone else.
The Thunder want to win a championship in 2027. Caruso helps their cause more than Isaiah Hartenstein and Luguentz Dort. They are starters and key pieces, but the veteran just makes the right play in crucial moments.
OKC has options to trim their payroll. They could part with Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Kenrich Williams, but dumping pieces outside their rotation may not be enough. Â The Thunder have Hartenstein and Dort on team options, but they need Hartenstein to match up against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wants Dort to return. Things must change, or Sam Presti must accept the restrictions that come with the second apron.
No matter the choice, Caruso isn’t going anywhere. The 32-year-old will have his minutes watched closely during the regular season. Oklahoma City knows his biggest impact will come in the playoffs. The Thunder have no problem unleashing him, especially when Caruso gets hot.
Presti has to make moves. The Thunder have 15 players under contract and two first-round draft picks this year. He has to clear some roster space and cut his spending.
It won’t be Caruso packing his bags. The 6’5 wing offers shooting, defense, playmaking, and leadership. He is the ideal Thunder player, and Presti has no plans on letting him get away.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are building around SGA, Chet, J-Dub, and Alex Caruso. The 32-year-old may play limited minutes and not put up gaudy stats, but Caruso helps the franchise win. That is the only goal. The Thunder need Caruso, and he’s enjoying playing in OKC. The decision is easy. There will be moves, but the two-time NBA champion is staying.
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