Josh Giddey issues heartfelt statement following Thunder trade

The OKC Thunder executed the first real splashy move of the 2024 NBA Offseason last Thursday, as they traded point guard, Josh Giddey, to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for veteran 3-and-D wing, Alex Caruso.

While parting ways with a highly versatile former lottery pick still attached to a rookie-scale deal is far from an easy decision for a franchise to make, following the up-and-down campaign he just had coupled with his rather unsettling long-term fit next to superstar centerpiece Shai Gilgeous-Alexander it was a move many saw coming.

Despite the logic being sound for why Sam Presti and company decided to ship out the 21-year-old, breakups are generally hard for both the teams and the player(s) involved.

On Friday, Giddey voiced his emotions on his departure from the Thunder via a heartfelt Instagram post, suggesting that, while he may be excited for this next chapter in his career, he'll always be "forever grateful" for the organization.

Josh Giddey says he'll be 'forever grateful' to Thunder following trade

What made the post all the more special and emotional proved to be the activity within his comments section, as many of the Thunder players who remain in tow such as Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and SGA all provided their responses and reactions regarding the deal.

Giddey spent the first three seasons of his NBA career with the Thunder, where he proved to be a widely skilled backcourt talent boasting the potential of being a legitimate franchise floor general.

Through 210 total games, the guard would register 13.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists on 46.4 percent shooting from the field.

Now, with his move from Loud City to the Windy City, there are many who suspect that be it with the likes of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic still in tow or following a full-out teardown, Giddey now has the potential to thrive while serving as the primary point guard for the Bulls, at least until Lonzo Ball makes his way back, with Sam Presti going as far as to state "he will capitalize on the opportunities before him in Chicago."

A 6-foot-8 pure floor general isn't something that's all that common in basketball, and new head coach Billy Donovan will now have the opportunity to try and get the most out of the incredibly talented and promising youngster.

He's had ample success with getting the most out of his starting ones in the past, with key examples even including Russell Westbrook's MVP season in 2016-2017 and Chris Paul's resurgent season in 2019-20 during his tenure as headman on the Thunder. Perhaps Giddey will be another success story for the season coach.