Oklahoma City Thunder extend Alex Caruso's contract for four years at $81 million

The Oklahoma City Thunder have extended guard Alex Caruso's contract for four years at $81 million. Caruso, acquired from the Chicago Bulls, has contributed significantly to the team's top-ranked defense and their strong 23-5 record this season. Despite his modest scoring averages, Caruso's defensive skills and veteran presence have been crucial for the Thunder. However, his large contract raises questions about the team's future financial flexibility, especially with key players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren becoming free agents soon. The Thunder currently face a challenging salary cap situation, with around $160 million committed to their roster in 2024-25. This may lead to difficult decisions regarding player retention and potential trades as they manage their finances in the coming years.