Across the NBA one of the most exciting inclusions in the sport is the ability for teams to trade between one another if they feel they can get a good deal.
Trades can see multiple stars head in one direction to tempt sides to allow some of their biggest names to leave, something which the Chicago Bulls may have done.
Not all trades are successful though and there are a number of reasons why sides may want to trade a player away from their side, whether that be to get them off the wage bill or to move on an underperforming star.
This season has seen very few trades completed but there is still time for sides to make additions to their squads before the deadline closes on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. ET.
The LA Lakers look like they could be in the trade market with reports that they could allow three stars to leave before the deadline.
One trade which took place back in June saw the Chicago Bulls trade two-time NBA All-Defensive Team guard Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Josh Giddey, one team looks to have benefited more widely from the deal.
OKC were somewhat forced into trading away 21-year-old Giddey following his trade request after growing tired with being used from the bench.
The 6ft 8in point guard was the No. 6 overall pick in 2021 and he made the All-Rookie second team.
Caruso, 9-years Giddey’s senior, does have previous with Oklahoma. After going undrafted in 2016 he went and played for the Thunder’s G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue.
Following this stint, he got a deal with the LA Lakers where he quickly made himself a defensive presence. After four years with the Lakers, where he secured an NBA Championship in 2020, he signed for the Bulls earning selections to two consecutive all-defensive teams in 2023 and 2024.
With Caruso coming full circle and heading back to Oklahoma, which team has benefited more from the trade?
Looking at this season’s outputs by each player it might be a little misleading as to who got the best deal from the trade.
Giddey is averaging 12.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game for a Bulls side who are currently sat with a 9-13 record. Imagine where they would be without Giddey’s numbers. He put up a triple-double last night in the win over the Nets.
Whereas if you look at the output from Caruso he’s performing well below Giddey’s stats. He is averaging just 5 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
However, whilst the output from Caruso may be low the Thunder are currently sitting top of the Western Conference with a 15-5 record.
READ: Chicago Bulls fans react strongly to Lonzo Ball comeback performance in 119-133 loss
The trade certainly caused some stir on social media with fans from both sides seemingly confused by the deal.
One Bulls fan tweeted: “Just so you know, I have reported you guys to the police! Robbery like this is a crime and you must face justice!”
Another said: “Take care of my bald king.”
A further fan tweeted: “So tired of people trying to preach young and potential when we literally had experienced and proven.”
On the other hand the OKC fans were more than open to the deal with many expressing their joy of the arrival from Caruso.
One tweeted: “We are gonna win it all next year.”
Another said: “We here man.”
The Bulls and Giddey still have time this season to prove the doubters wrong and show many that this trade isn’t as one-sided as it may seem.
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