Did The Oklahoma City Thunder Make A Big Mistake?

The OKC Thunder traded Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls.

Sam Presti speaks to the press in Oklahoma City, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. / NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Josh Giddey was the sixth pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Over the offseason, the Thunder traded Giddey to the Chicago Bulls for Alex Caruso.

Giddey had been coming off a season where he averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per contest while shooting 47.5% from the field and 33.7% from the three-point range.

BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading two-time All-Defensive guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Josh Giddey, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/V3t12MA3Uo

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2024

Giddey (22) had fallen out of the rotation during the 2024 NBA playoffs.

That said, at such a young age, the Thunder made a bold move to send him to Chicago for a 31-year-old.

Jan 13, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images / Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Right now, Giddey is averaging 14.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 46.9% from the field and 38.4% from the three-point range in 64 games for the Bulls.

Via StatMuse: "Bulls with 5+ triple-doubles in a season:

Michael Jordan
Josh Giddey

That's it."

Bulls with 5+ triple-doubles in a season:

Michael Jordan
Josh Giddey

That's it. pic.twitter.com/HGVEws9CAo

— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 28, 2025

In addition, Giddey has been one of the best guards in the NBA since the All-Star break.

Via StatMuse: "Giddey since the All-Star break:

— 22.8 PPG
— 10.5 RPG
— 9.2 APG
— 1.6 SPG

On 53/52/81% shooting."

Giddey since the All-Star break:

— 22.8 PPG
— 10.5 RPG
— 9.2 APG
— 1.6 SPG

On 53/52/81% shooting. pic.twitter.com/ZTqskqAztg

— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 28, 2025

It's possible that Giddey would not have been able to break out with the Thunder (due to their loaded roster), but it's worth pointing out that they traded a potential All-Star.

Mar 24, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) reacts after a basket in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

As for Caruso, the 2020 NBA Champion is averaging 6.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals per contest while shooting 44.5% from the field and 35.7% from the three-point range in 48 games.