Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey trade was final straw for DeMar DeRozan with Bulls?
Veteran DeMar DeRozan spent the last three seasons playing the role of “The King of the Fourth” to perfection. Whether it was a ridiculous corner three at the final horn or his lethal mid-range game when a big shot was needed, DeRozan bailed his teammates out of sticky situations time and time again. It now appears that DeRozan will save the Bulls no more. A source told the Sun-Times late Sunday night that the Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade was the final straw in DeRozan’s mind for any sort of return, as the 34-year-old will now use his free agency to shop elsewhere.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
My take on DeMar DeRozan as a Lakers target:
It made some sense in 2021, when they could’ve kept Caruso and maybe KCP or Kuzma for 3-and-D support. But right now, the defense isn’t good enough to support DeRozan without compromising the spacing too much for it to work. – 1:51 PM
My take on DeMar DeRozan as a Lakers target:
It made some sense in 2021, when they could’ve kept Caruso and maybe KCP or Kuzma for 3-and-D support. But right now, the defense isn’t good enough to support DeRozan without compromising the spacing too much for it to work. – 1:51 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
And the “King of the Fourth” will be a Bull no more … the Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade was the final straw … Bulls continue pushing the youth movement Monday, signing Jalen Smith to a three-year deal.
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2024/07/… – 1:06 PM
And the “King of the Fourth” will be a Bull no more … the Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade was the final straw … Bulls continue pushing the youth movement Monday, signing Jalen Smith to a three-year deal.
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2024/07/… – 1:06 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Top remaining free agents:
* DeMar DeRozan
* De’Anthony Melton
* Isaac Okoro
nytimes.com/athletic/55709… – 12:07 PM
Top remaining free agents:
* DeMar DeRozan
* De’Anthony Melton
* Isaac Okoro
nytimes.com/athletic/55709… – 12:07 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Updated Thunder roster
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Jalen Williams
Chet Holmgren
Lu Dort
Alex Caruso
Isaiah Hartenstein
Cason Wallace
Isaiah Joe
Aaron Wiggins
Jaylin Williams
Kenrich Williams
Ousmane Dieng
Nikola Topić
Dillon Jones
Stacked roster with a lot of lineup possibilities. – 11:04 AM
Updated Thunder roster
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Jalen Williams
Chet Holmgren
Lu Dort
Alex Caruso
Isaiah Hartenstein
Cason Wallace
Isaiah Joe
Aaron Wiggins
Jaylin Williams
Kenrich Williams
Ousmane Dieng
Nikola Topić
Dillon Jones
Stacked roster with a lot of lineup possibilities. – 11:04 AM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Adding Caruso and Hartenstein to one of the best defenses already from last season
pic.twitter.com/R16W1k18cr – 10:31 AM
Adding Caruso and Hartenstein to one of the best defenses already from last season
pic.twitter.com/R16W1k18cr – 10:31 AM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
For the “Let’s just keep Zach” people … first, he will be a hostage, not a volunteer. Secondly, Giddey was acquired to be the starting PG, which means Coby White is the two. Where exactly do you want Zach to play? Stunt Coby’s growth again by bringing him off the bench? – 10:27 AM
For the “Let’s just keep Zach” people … first, he will be a hostage, not a volunteer. Secondly, Giddey was acquired to be the starting PG, which means Coby White is the two. Where exactly do you want Zach to play? Stunt Coby’s growth again by bringing him off the bench? – 10:27 AM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
OKC Thunder 2024-25 potential starting lineup:
Alex Caruso
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Jalen Williams
Chet Holmgren
Isaiah Hartenstein
What an off-season for the Thunder. They’re ready to compete for the championship. #ThunderUp #NBA – 10:24 AM
OKC Thunder 2024-25 potential starting lineup:
Alex Caruso
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Jalen Williams
Chet Holmgren
Isaiah Hartenstein
What an off-season for the Thunder. They’re ready to compete for the championship. #ThunderUp #NBA – 10:24 AM
Joe Mussatto @joe_mussatto
Nice little offseason in OKC, adding Caruso and Hartenstein to a 57-win team. – 10:18 AM
Nice little offseason in OKC, adding Caruso and Hartenstein to a 57-win team. – 10:18 AM
Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
There were 9 players to record at least 70 total blocks and 70 total steals this past season.
Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso were among that group.
Both are now on the Thunder. – 10:14 AM
There were 9 players to record at least 70 total blocks and 70 total steals this past season.
Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso were among that group.
Both are now on the Thunder. – 10:14 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
OKC Thunder:
Caruso
Hartenstein
Shai
Dort
J-Dub
J-Will
Chet
Wallace
Wiggins
Joe
Deep. pic.twitter.com/T9ioiA8k2f – 10:11 AM
OKC Thunder:
Caruso
Hartenstein
Shai
Dort
J-Dub
J-Will
Chet
Wallace
Wiggins
Joe
Deep. pic.twitter.com/T9ioiA8k2f – 10:11 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Isaiah Hartenstein was 2nd in steals among centers last season.
Alex Caruso was 3rd in steals among guards last season.
The Thunder were 2nd in steals as a team. pic.twitter.com/ELod4hAzrE – 10:04 AM
Isaiah Hartenstein was 2nd in steals among centers last season.
Alex Caruso was 3rd in steals among guards last season.
The Thunder were 2nd in steals as a team. pic.twitter.com/ELod4hAzrE – 10:04 AM
Evan Sidery @esidery
The Thunder have swapped out Josh Giddey while adding Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein.
OKC still hasn’t relinquished any of their war chest of future draft capital along the way.
A true Finals contender with the ammo to still make an all-in move later on. pic.twitter.com/i4SPDQeulm – 10:03 AM
The Thunder have swapped out Josh Giddey while adding Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein.
OKC still hasn’t relinquished any of their war chest of future draft capital along the way.
A true Finals contender with the ammo to still make an all-in move later on. pic.twitter.com/i4SPDQeulm – 10:03 AM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
OKC adding Caruso, Hartenstein, Topić, another 1st rounder in Jones and another early 2nd rounder in Mitchell without giving up a single 1st round pick..
..re-signing Wiggins and Joe..
..and the Clippers losing PG..
..is the ideal Thunder offseason. – 10:01 AM
OKC adding Caruso, Hartenstein, Topić, another 1st rounder in Jones and another early 2nd rounder in Mitchell without giving up a single 1st round pick..
..re-signing Wiggins and Joe..
..and the Clippers losing PG..
..is the ideal Thunder offseason. – 10:01 AM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Top free agents still available:
LeBron James / Los Angeles Lakers / Player Option
DeMar DeRozan / Chicago Bulls / Unrestricted
Isaiah Hartenstein / New York Knicks / Unrestricted
Klay Thompson / Golden State / Unrestricted
Miles Bridges / Charlotte Hornets / Unrestricted
Tobias – 9:47 AM
Top free agents still available:
LeBron James / Los Angeles Lakers / Player Option
DeMar DeRozan / Chicago Bulls / Unrestricted
Isaiah Hartenstein / New York Knicks / Unrestricted
Klay Thompson / Golden State / Unrestricted
Miles Bridges / Charlotte Hornets / Unrestricted
Tobias – 9:47 AM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Top free agents still available:
LeBron James / Los Angeles Lakers / Player Option
DeMar DeRozan / Chicago Bulls / Unrestricted
Isaiah Hartenstein / New York Knicks / Unrestricted
Klay Thompson / Golden State / Unrestricted
Miles Bridges / Charlotte Hornets / Unrestricted
Tobias – 9:46 AM
Top free agents still available:
LeBron James / Los Angeles Lakers / Player Option
DeMar DeRozan / Chicago Bulls / Unrestricted
Isaiah Hartenstein / New York Knicks / Unrestricted
Klay Thompson / Golden State / Unrestricted
Miles Bridges / Charlotte Hornets / Unrestricted
Tobias – 9:46 AM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Top free agents still available:
LeBron James / Los Angeles Lakers / Player Option
DeMar DeRozan / Chicago Bulls / Unrestricted
Isaiah Hartenstein / New York Knicks / Unrestricted
Klay Thompson / Golden State / Unrestricted
Miles Bridges / Charlotte Hornets / Unrestricted
Tobias – 9:45 AM
Top free agents still available:
LeBron James / Los Angeles Lakers / Player Option
DeMar DeRozan / Chicago Bulls / Unrestricted
Isaiah Hartenstein / New York Knicks / Unrestricted
Klay Thompson / Golden State / Unrestricted
Miles Bridges / Charlotte Hornets / Unrestricted
Tobias – 9:45 AM
Evan Sidery @esidery
DeMar DeRozan is a potential target for the Lakers with their mid-level exception, per @WindhorstESPN (podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bri…).
DeRozan, a Los Angeles native, could be eyeing a return home in free agency. pic.twitter.com/u7dKJuTaeC – 8:43 AM
DeMar DeRozan is a potential target for the Lakers with their mid-level exception, per @WindhorstESPN (podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bri…).
DeRozan, a Los Angeles native, could be eyeing a return home in free agency. pic.twitter.com/u7dKJuTaeC – 8:43 AM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Top remaining FAs (not including restricted free agents): LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan, Klay Thompson, Isaiah Hartenstein, Tobias Harris, Miles Bridges, Gary Trent Jr., Buddy Hield, Saddiq Bey, Tyus Jones, Caleb Martin, Gary Harris, Nicolas Batum, Lonnie Walker IV, Luke Kennard. – 8:42 AM
Top remaining FAs (not including restricted free agents): LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan, Klay Thompson, Isaiah Hartenstein, Tobias Harris, Miles Bridges, Gary Trent Jr., Buddy Hield, Saddiq Bey, Tyus Jones, Caleb Martin, Gary Harris, Nicolas Batum, Lonnie Walker IV, Luke Kennard. – 8:42 AM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Derrick Jones Jr. opted out of his Bulls contract to bet on himself, started NBA Finals games for Dallas and now heads to the Clippers for $30M—-and clogs up pathway for DeMar DeRozan as Paul George replacement. – 12:13 AM
Derrick Jones Jr. opted out of his Bulls contract to bet on himself, started NBA Finals games for Dallas and now heads to the Clippers for $30M—-and clogs up pathway for DeMar DeRozan as Paul George replacement. – 12:13 AM
Clemente Almanza @CAlmanza1007
Mark Daigneault offers best wishes for Josh Giddey, Lindy Waters III (via @The_ThunderWire):
okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/2024/06/30/mar… – 1:03 PM
Mark Daigneault offers best wishes for Josh Giddey, Lindy Waters III (via @The_ThunderWire):
okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/2024/06/30/mar… – 1:03 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“It is believed that DeMar DeRozan, with no discernible momentum since the NBA Finals toward a new contract from the Bulls, is likely to wait until George makes his decision to get a better feel for his non-Chicago options.
Could DeRozan emerge as the Clippers’ replacement for – 1:58 AM
“It is believed that DeMar DeRozan, with no discernible momentum since the NBA Finals toward a new contract from the Bulls, is likely to wait until George makes his decision to get a better feel for his non-Chicago options.
Could DeRozan emerge as the Clippers’ replacement for – 1:58 AM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Mark Daigneault opened his media scrum by thanking Josh Giddey and Lindy Waters for their contributions to the Thunder. – 3:43 PM
Mark Daigneault opened his media scrum by thanking Josh Giddey and Lindy Waters for their contributions to the Thunder. – 3:43 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Mark Daigneault started his scrum by thanking Josh Giddey and Lindy Waters III for their contributions to the franchise – 3:42 PM
Mark Daigneault started his scrum by thanking Josh Giddey and Lindy Waters III for their contributions to the franchise – 3:42 PM
More on this storyline
When names emerged as possible targets for the Los Angeles Lakers with their midlevel exception that LeBron James would be amenable to giving up money for, they were James Harden, Klay Thompson and Jonas Valanciunas. Harden and Valanciunas reached agreement with other teams shortly after the start of free agency. There are reportedly other names on the list, including DeMar DeRozan. “I think there’s more than three,” said Brian Windhorst on the Hoop Collective Podcast. “I think DeMar DeRozan is on that list as well. And there may be another one or so.” -via RealGM / July 1, 2024
Joe Cowley: Just spoke to one NBA insider who said that what Arturas Karnisovas is attempting to do with this roster is “ambitious, but an uphill battle.” If the Bulls exec gets his way he would be without DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, taking a step back for two seasons. -via Twitter @JCowleyHoops / June 30, 2024
KC Johnson: Bulls’ youth movement continues with Patrick Williams set to join Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Dalen Terry and Julian Phillips while management shops Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan talks on hold as of last week. -via Twitter @KCJHoop / June 30, 2024
Brandon Rahbar: Mark Daigneault on Alex Caruso: “We have a locker room that has an existing ethos. They’re high level professionals. They’re willing to put each other’s success first. They root for each other.” He says that fits Caruso and he will be the energized by the Thunder guys. -via Twitter @BrandonRahbar / June 29, 2024
KC Johnson: Artūras Karnišovas: I’m happy about the (Josh Giddey) trade. Bringing a very talented guard that is elite playmaker and rebounder with size is hard to find. Comes at high price of AC. I want to thank Alex for amazing three years. -via Twitter @KCJHoop / June 26, 2024
The Alex Caruso trade was interesting. As others reported, Chicago had turned down offers for Caruso before this deadline that involved future picks. They turned down an offer of two first-round picks and Tyus Jones from the Grizzlies for Caruso and Coby White at the 2023 trade deadline, according to multiple league sources. -via New York Times / June 26, 2024
Jamal Collier: Bulls VP Arturas Karnisovas on choosing Josh Giddey over draft picks: “It’s hard to acquire players this young, this productive, that early in their careers…we thought that was the price to pay for Josh” “I feel that this deal was fair. Both sides got what they wanted.” -via Twitter @JamalCollier / June 27, 2024
Brandon Rahbar: Sam Presti on comparing Topić to Giddey: “I wouldn’t compare him specifically to Josh or any other player.. Guys that are big for their position that process the game well… we value those skill sets.. I don’t think you have enough players who can make decisions on the court.” -via Twitter @BrandonRahbar / June 27, 2024