Thunder Sign Two-Time All-Defensive Guard Alex Caruso to Four-Year, $81 Million Extension

Dec 22, 2024, 11:22 PM

Alex Caruso, the two-time NBA All-Defensive Team guard and NBA champion, has agreed to a four-year, $81 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to his agent Greg Lawrence of Wasserman. The deal keeps Caruso under contract through the 2028-29 season and out of free agency. Despite averaging 5 points and 2 assists per game, Caruso is considered among the NBA's elite perimeter defenders, ranking in the top five in deflections, field-goal percentage allowed as a contesting defender, and points per direct pick allowed as a ball-handler defender, according to ESPN Research. Returning to the franchise where he began his professional career in 2016 with the Thunder's training camp and its G-League affiliate OKC Blue, Caruso has established himself as a key contributor off the bench. The extension is viewed as a prudent move by the Thunder's front office, securing a top defensive talent on a long-term, team-friendly contract.