Is Alex Caruso worth $81 million to the Oklahoma City Thunder?

In December 2024, the Oklahoma City Thunder announced that they signed Alex Caruso to a multi-year contract extension. The extension, which is a four-year deal worth $81 million, came after the Thunder acquired Caruso in an offseason trade that sent Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls. Following the trade, Caruso emerged as a critical part of the team's defensive strategy, ranking among the league leaders in steals, deflections, and various defensive metrics. As Oklahoma City stands as one of the youngest teams in the league, Caruso's experience and defensive prowess have provided essential support. He has fit into the Thunder's system well, enabling the team to lead the league in several defensive categories, including defensive rating and opponent points per game. Moreover, his ability to guard multiple positions makes him invaluable in playoff scenarios. Following his employment with the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, where he was recognized for his defensive skills, Caruso has further solidified his reputation as an elite perimeter defender in Oklahoma City. His signing and performance reflect the team's commitment to prioritizing defensive production as a cornerstone of their roster strategy moving forward, especially with impending extensions projected for key young players. Caruso's contract extension keeps him under the Thunder’s control through the 2028-29 season, reinforcing the franchise's intent to maintain a strong defensive identity. This long-term investment points to Oklahoma City’s broader strategy of building a cohesive team around a core of strong defenders, bracing for a competitive postseason run in the coming years.