The Oklahoma City Thunder shockingly traded Josh Giddey to Chicago for Alex Caruso. Fans were left waiting to see what draft capital was involved, but the answer was none. It was stunning after the Bulls turned down offers for multiple first-round picks before the deadline. Caruso is an elite role player but is still finding his place in OKC.
Giddey requested a trade after learning he would come off the bench for the Thunder. The 22-year-old was just played off the floor in the playoffs as he struggled to make jumpers and defend. The Bulls valued his skill set and have started him in every game this season.
Things are far from perfect in Chicago. Giddey and the Bulls failed to reach an extension, which means he will become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2025. The 6’8 guard is playing 27.2 minutes per game and is slowly losing his grasp on this key role as head coach Billy Donovan figures out his rotation.
Bulls realize Josh Giddey cannot be part of the closing lineup
Chicago battled the 76ers on Sunday afternoon in Joel Embiid’s return to the floor. The Bulls got down after a disastrous second quarter but clawed their way back into the game in the second half. They briefly cut the lead to five with just over four minutes remaining, but the Sixers finished off the win. Giddey was removed from the contest with 7:40 remaining in the fourth and never returned.
The 22-year-old has played in every game so far this season but has not appeared in each of the Bulls' last three chances in clutch time. Clutch time is defined as the game within five points in the final five minutes. Chicago has opted for Coby White, Zach LaVine, Ayo Dosunmu, and Nikola Vucevic with a revolving fifth spot. Patrick Williams, Lonzo Ball, Matas Buzelis, and Talen Horton-Tucker have all gotten opportunities over Giddey.
His lack of shooting cramps the floor on the offensive end. Teams will leave him open and dare him to shoot, especially late in close games. The Bulls have a glut of guards, and Giddey struggles to lock down his man on defense. They are opting for Dosunmu’s defense with White and LaVine taking on the offensive creation.
Josh Giddey wants a massive payday this offseason, but he cannot play in the most important situations. That is a problem for all involved. The Bulls will draw plenty of scrutiny if they let Giddey walk this summer after turning down several offers for Caruso, but Chicago cannot give him a massive contract if he isn’t part of their closing lineup.
The Oklahoma City Thunder sit first in the Western Conference and are the team to beat. Fans know all too well about the frustrations Josh Giddey causes, but it is no longer their worry. OKC supporters have their sights set on a championship, and this is the Bulls' problem now.