The Oklahoma City Thunder have reached a long-term agreement with Alex Caruso, signing him to a lucrative four-year, $81 million contract extension. The news was confirmed by his agent in a tweet by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Caruso, who has been a key player for the Thunder this season, was set to become a free agent next summer. The 30-year-old guard will now remain with the team until the end of the 2028-29 season.
Starting his career with the Thunder’s G League team in 2017 after going undrafted, Caruso spent his first four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers before joining the Chicago Bulls. He was then traded to Oklahoma City last summer in exchange for Josh Giddey.
Caruso has been a standout performer for the Thunder, averaging 5.7 points and 2.9 assists per game off the bench. He has excelled on the defensive end, ranking among the top players in the league in deflections, field-goal percentage allowed, and points per direct pick allowed as a ball-handler defender. He is also posting a career-high 1.9 steals per game.
His contributions have been vital to the Thunder’s success this season, as they currently hold the best record in the Western Conference at 22-5. Despite falling short in the NBA Cup championship game, Caruso’s leadership and depth have been instrumental to the team’s strong start.
Looking ahead, Caruso’s presence will complement the talents of stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, who is currently sidelined with a hip injury. With Caruso’s experience and skill set, the Thunder are well-positioned for continued success in the years to come.