Alex Caruso has reached a four-year, $81 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
This extension represents the maximum amount the Thunder are legally allowed to pay Caruso, and the deal comes after a six-month waiting period following his acquisition in a trade.
The trade, which sent Caruso to Oklahoma City in exchange for Josh Giddey, was finalized on June 21. This meant the six-month waiting period ended on Saturday, and the deal was officially announced the following day, on Sunday.
Since joining the Thunder, the Caruso trade has proven to be highly beneficial for a team that is having one of the best defensive seasons in NBA history.
Caruso currently leads the league in defensive field goal percentage allowed and ranks seventh in deflections per game and 10th in steals, despite playing only 20 minutes per game.
The Thunder’s defensive numbers have been outstanding, allowing an exceptionally low 95.8 points per 100 possessions with Caruso on the court this season.
Though his three-point shooting is currently a disappointing 27%, Caruso posted over 40% from beyond the arc last season and had become a reliable shooter during his time with the Chicago Bulls.
This contract is particularly notable as it marks the first significant financial commitment the Thunder have made that extends into the 2026-27 season.
This timing is crucial because it coincides with when Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are expected to sign max contracts.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already on a max deal, this period will mark the Thunder’s transition into a more expensive phase, requiring careful consideration of team-building decisions and salary cap considerations.
The Thunder have been preparing for this moment for some time. Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort, and Kenrich Williams all have team options for the 2026-27 season.
Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe both signed relatively affordable contracts last offseason, with annual values decreasing each year.
Meanwhile, most of the team’s notable players are still under rookie contracts, and Oklahoma City holds one of the largest reserves of future draft picks in the league.
Even as the Thunder face the challenge of paying Williams and Holmgren max contracts, they will still have the ability to maintain a deep roster. However, this will make roster decisions more difficult, and tough choices will have to be made.
Caruso’s extension suggests the Thunder intend to keep him as part of their long-term plans, even as they navigate the financial complexities that come with a more expensive roster in the future.
