“I don’t know if regular NBA fans understand is like scouting report of him is he’s most dangerous when he gives the ball up. Because even when he comes down, he gives the ball up. Now all of a sudden, they’re going to movement. Him and Draymond are so connected. He knows exactly where to go, how to make the reads,” Alex Caruso stated, via Dan Patrick Show.

Despite falling short of clinching the championship, the Golden State Warriors showcased a substantially evolved roster this season. The arrival of Jimmy Butler injected fresh energy into the squad, yet Stephen Curry once again emerged as the most outstanding player. In the 70 games he suited up, he delivered impressive averages of 24.5 points, 6 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game.

Curry’s impact, though monumental, thrives in harmony with Draymond Green’s indispensable presence. As acknowledged by the Thunder’s veteran Alex Caruso, Green’s dual prowess in offense and defense plays a crucial role in maintaining the team’s equilibrium. This synergy was on full display during their last encounter on January 29, 2025, when Curry dropped 21 points to spearhead the Warriors to a 116-109 triumph.

Despite Stephen Curry’s remarkable performance, the Golden State Warriors fell short of their season objectives, prompting the franchise to consider significant roster adjustments. Rumors circulate about Jonathan Kuminga’s major decision regarding his future, while the franchise eyes free agents Malcolm Brogdon, Trey Lyles, and Gary Payton II, as reported by Brett Siegel. Nevertheless, these names are just the beginning of their offseason strategy.

Dell Curry has underscored the importance of adding a strong big man to the roster, bringing Al Horford into consideration following his exit from the Boston Celtics. For the Warriors to regain their status as title contenders, they must reshape their team dynamics. Curry’s brilliance remains unquestionable, but surrounding him with complementary talent is crucial for their pursuit of a championship victory.

The Thunder enter the NBA Finals with a remarkably young roster — averaging just 25.6 years old — making them the second-youngest team in league history to reach this stage, trailing only the 1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers. That youth brings energy and fearlessness, but also inexperience. That’s where veteran guard Caruso comes in.

A champion with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, Caruso’s presence has become a stabilizing force in a Thunder locker room filled with first-time Finals participants. And as he explained during media availability ahead of Game 4, the contrast between that Lakers run and his current role with Oklahoma City is stark.

“The real difference is just that I was in my third year in the NBA, and two of those were on a two-way. So, I was still learning a lot at the time,” Caruso noted. “That was my first playoff run. That was the first time I’d been to the playoffs when we won a championship”.

“So, I think going through a couple of seasons in between that, losing in the playoffs, getting to the playoffs, and now, here, being on this stretch run again, and getting here, having a chance to win it,” he continued.

Caruso’s evolution from 2020 to 2025

Caruso has since evolved from a young role player learning the ropes alongside seasoned vets like LeBron James and Rajon Rondo to being the most experienced voice in the Thunder locker room — a shift he fully embraces.

“I relied a lot on the veteran team that we had the year we won the championship. We had multiple guys 10–15 years in the league; that’s an astounding number,” he said. “Being on the other side of that now, being the guy who has had the most experience and trying to give the guys the right mindset, and the right course correction is probably the biggest difference”.

Caruso’s advice to OKC’s young roster

Down 2–1 in the series and with one more game to play on the road in Indiana before returning to Oklahoma City, the Thunder are leaning on Caruso’s playoff wisdom to guide them through adversity.

“It’s the Finals. It’s not going to be easy. You’re going to have to earn everything,” Caruso emphasized. “We’ve been a great team all year because we’ve been confident, played aggressive. [I’m] just backing my guys and telling them, don’t second-guess yourself, just go out there and play your game”.

“Jokic is in that tier of players, along with Shai and a handful of other guys in the league, where they’re just going to kind of get their numbers…I’ve talked about this in the past, where if you do a great job on guys of that caliber, they’ll probably get their averages. And if you don’t, they can go for headline stuff. The biggest thing is just making it tough on him. He’s a great player,” stated Alex Caruso.

Nikola Jokic is averaging a triple-double in the playoffs, with 24 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 10.1 assists per game across seven appearances. His scoring has dropped compared to other postseasons, but he continues to make a major impact. His creativity on offense and effort on defense have been key reasons why Denver reached the semifinals. This comes in a difficult context, as the team had to adjust to a coaching change just before the start of the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder enter the series as clear favorites. Their long-term project is finally showing results, thanks to continuity and strong development. The team no longer depends solely on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, since players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have stepped up. On top of that, they had nine full days to rest and prepare before the series began, which gave them a clear physical advantage.

Can the Nuggets vs. Thunder playoff series impact the 2025 NBA MVP race?

Considering the timing of the season, this series could shape the race for the 2025 MVP award. If the Nuggets win and Nikola Jokic stands out as their best player, it could tilt the MVP conversation in his favor. That is especially relevant because Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posted similar performances in both the regular season and playoffs.

However, if the Oklahoma City Thunder win, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would likely become the clear MVP favorite. As he has been the driving force behind the Thunder’s deep playoff run. He has made a difference offensively and scored over 30 points in each of his last two playoff games.

Still, winning this series will not guarantee the MVP. Especially because the NBA Finals are still to come, and they will weigh heavily in the final decision. Even so, this matchup could be the key moment that determines who ends up taking the award.

While many consider Doncic a top-five talent in the NBA, Caruso was careful to frame the comparison as more of a stylistic observation than a direct equivalence. Still, Caruso sees flashes of Luka’s game in the Pistons’ All-Star guard, who continues to emerge as Detroit’s franchise player.

“I don’t want to throw out too many comparisons, but just with his size and skill set, he’s got a little bit of Luka [Doncic],” Caruso said, via The Thunder media availability. “Obviously, Luka’s a very special, unique player. He’s got six First Teams or five First Teams in his first however many years in the league. That’s a high standard, but he’s got a little bit of that. Big guard, main handler, can shoot, can post up, good at drawing fouls; he kind of plays in the midrange, too. He’s got a little bit of everything.”

Caruso has seen Cunningham up close

Having previously played for the Chicago Bulls, Caruso got a firsthand look at Cunningham when defending him in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division, making his insights particularly valuable.

“His pace has really slowed down. I saw it last year a little bit, playing against him in his first year,” Caruso said. “Then, last year, he’s a big guard. He’s like 6-foot-7, probably 200-something pounds. He gets you on your hip and then gets to that 10-foot floater. He can post up smaller guys. And this year, he’s shooting the three-ball well, which I think really complements his game.”

Key differences between Cunningham and Doncic

Despite the stylistic similarities, Cunningham still has work to do to reach Luka Doncic’s elite level. From the moment Doncic entered the league, he established himself as a dominant scorer and playmaker, making an immediate impact and earning multiple All-NBA First Team selections.

Cunningham, meanwhile, has shown flashes of brilliance but has been slowed by injuries and the challenges of playing for a rebuilding team. Unlike Doncic, who took the NBA by storm as a rookie, Cade is still in the process of developing into a fully-fledged superstar.

Can Cunningham reach Luka’s level?

Caruso’s comparison may hint at Cunningham’s potential, but closing the gap with a generational talent like Doncic will require time, growth, and the right support around him. If Detroit can continue building a stronger roster and Cade remains healthy, there’s little doubt he has the tools to become one of the league’s premier players.

The bigger question is whether Cunningham can take that next leap — and whether he can lead the Pistons back to NBA relevance in the years to come. For now, all eyes will be on Cade Cunningham Saturday night as he takes the court against a surging Thunder team — and perhaps offers another glimpse of the star he may yet become.

After the loss, reporters from Thunder Wire asked Gilgeous-Alexander about Washington’s performance. The MVP candidate offered a brief but revealing response: “I don’t know, I don’t know. I guess he gets up for it. I don’t know.” His frustration was evident, as Washington, not typically known for such dominance, rose to the occasion and played a pivotal role in the Mavericks’ win.

Mavericks‘ PJ Washington control on the boards limited OKC’s second-chance opportunities and exposed weaknesses in the Thunder’s ability to handle physical matchups, particularly during key moments. Despite their recent strong form at home, Thunder struggled to match Washington’s intensity, which ultimately turned the tide of the game.

For the Thunder, this loss serves as a reminder of the need for defensive adjustments. Addressing gaps in their ability to contend with physical and versatile players like Washington will be crucial as they push toward the NBA playoffs. While the loss stings, it offers valuable lessons for maintaining their strong form and responding effectively to tough challenges.

Thunder’s guard Alex Caruso praises PJ Washington’s standout performance

Following the Thunder’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks, guard Alex Caruso acknowledged the impact of PJ Washington’s dominant game, which included 22 points and a career-high 19 rebounds.

“He’s a strong forward…He’s not super skilled, but can put the ball on the floor straight line. His tendencies are pretty apparent, but he’s good at them. If you let him get back to his right hand, he’s a good finisher,” stated Caruso reported by The Oklahoman.

Caruso highlighted the importance of early physicality against players like Washington, saying, “If you don’t body up early on the perimeter, he is gonna finish shots.” Washington’s ability to exploit mismatches and control the boards proved to be a decisive factor in the game.

Despite the loss, Caruso’s analysis shows the Thunder’s respect for Washington’s strengths and their determination to improve defensively in similar matchups moving forward.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Caruso’s agent Greg Lawrence of Wasserman confirmed the extension, signaling Caruso’s commitment to the team for the foreseeable future. Known as one of the league’s elite perimeter defenders, Caruso is ranked among the top five in deflections and field-goal percentage, establishing himself as a versatile defender capable of both shutting down opponents and contributing offensively. His ability to guard multiple positions and handle the ball has made him a standout in the NBA.

Caruso, in an interview with Jake Fischer of The Stein Line in late December, expressed that Oklahoma City was a “good fit” for him. “Obviously, this is a place that I think is ascending, and that’s something I want to be a part of,” he said, hinting at the bright future the Thunder have ahead. The extension ensures that Caruso will be a key figure in the Thunder’s playoff pursuits for years to come.

The impact of Alex Caruso’s defensive leadership on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s growth

Alex Caruso’s return to the Oklahoma City Thunder via a contract extension holds significant promise for the team, particularly in how his elite defensive skills can catalyze the growth of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The 2024-2025 season has already seen Gilgeous-Alexander continue his rise as one of the league’s top scoring guards, but with Caruso’s defensive acumen by his side, there’s potential for the Thunder to become a more complete and championship-caliber team.

Caruso’s defensive presence provides a stabilizing force for the Thunder’s perimeter defense, freeing up Gilgeous-Alexander to focus on his offensive game without the added burden of defending the opponent’s best player every night. With Caruso locking down key players and providing defensive versatility.

Oklahoma City’s chances of closing out tight games—particularly in the postseason—are significantly improved. Caruso’s extensive playoff experience and high basketball IQ make him an invaluable mentor for the Thunder’s young core, guiding them through high-pressure moments.

Pairing Caruso’s defensive reliability with the offensive firepower of Gilgeous-Alexander could help unlock the team’s full potential. The synergy between the two players, with Caruso bringing experience and defensive prowess while Gilgeous-Alexander continues to evolve as a scoring leader, might be the key to Oklahoma City’s pursuit of an NBA championship this season.

The comparisons began with Davis after Holmgren’s strong showing against Chicago, where he grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds. Following the game, Caruso was asked if he saw similarities to his former Lakers teammate.

“The AD comparison is a tough one just cause AD’s so accomplished where he’s at in his career right now, and Chet obviously has a long way to go to match that, but I think he controls his destiny,” Caruso stated.

“Whatever he wants to accomplish in this league, he’s got it in front of him,” Caruso continued. “He’s got the work ethic, he’s got the competitiveness. If you have those two things where you have the ability to get better, you have the want to get better, and you have the work ethic to get better, if you have those things, you can control your own destiny in the NBA.”

Caruso praises Holmgren’s versatility

Beyond the comparisons, Caruso also highlighted Holmgren’s versatility as a major asset to the team. “Chet can do so many different things. [He’s] a special player. He gives us versatility. He gives us a dynamic that not many teams in the league have,” Caruso said.

“Just with his skill, and then, he’s a tenacious competitor,” he added. “He wants to improve. He wants to be better. He wants to be great, and he wants to win. And those are things as a young player are phenomenal to see, and then obviously, as his teammate, you love to see that, too.”

Holmgren makes Thunder history

After a dominant 102-87 victory over the Nuggets, Holmgren became the first Thunder player to post 25+ points, 14+ rebounds, 5+ assists, 4+ blocks, and 2+ steals in a single game. In their following win against the Bulls, he recorded another standout double-double, logging 21 points and 16 rebounds.

Often, players feel they’ve fulfilled a dream when they make it to the world’s premier basketball league. However, this goal is further realized when they have the opportunity to share the court with some of the greatest players in basketball history.

King LeBron is one of those players who, beyond earning admiration from opponents, has also deeply impacted his teammates. Throughout his career, and with the wealth of experience he has accumulated over the years, he has become a remarkable mentor for anyone who has shared a locker room with him.

As the twilight of his career approaches, James has committed to leading the Los Angeles Lakers as far as possible. This year, he will have the historic opportunity to share the court with his son, Bronny James, marking a groundbreaking moment in NBA history.

LeBron James and his influence on teammates

James has been a major influence for every player who has shared a locker room with him. Whether with the Cavaliers, Heat, or now with the Lakers, LeBron has brought invaluable experience and wisdom to his teams.

One of his former teammates in Los Angeles, Alex Caruso, spoke about the significance of having shared the court with LeBron James and how it influenced the improvement of his own game.

In an interview with HoopsRumors, the current Oklahoma City Thunder player stated: “Coming from someone of that stature, someone who is that smart and skilled and the face of the NBA, and arguably the greatest of all time, that means a lot. It gave me the confidence in myself to believe that what I was doing was right. It helped me believe that what I was good at could contribute and be a deciding factor in NBA games. All I ever wanted was to be out there at the end of the game and have a chance to win.”

Caruso’s championship ring with LeBron

In 2020, the Los Angeles Lakers were crowned NBA champions once again. LeBron James was unanimously named the NBA Finals MVP for leading the Lakers to victory, defeating the Miami Heat 4-2 in the series.

Interestingly, Alex Caruso emerged as one of the standout players of that tournament, delivering exceptional performances, especially in the playoffs. Known as ‘Carushow,’ he earned his first NBA championship ring.

Ayo Dosumnu and Coby White have taken a step forward in LaVine’s absence, playing the best basketball of their young careers thus far. Nonetheless, that’s far from enough to keep the ship afloat.

Truth be told, it seems like Arturas Karnisovas and the front office will have to hit the drawing board again and start from scratch. They need to recoup assets and build around young players or via the NBA Draft.

As things stand now, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Alex Caruso figure to be the team’s most valuable and appealing trade assets. With that in mind, we’ll take a look at the likeliest trade destination for each one of them.

Predicting Landing Spots For Bulls Stars

Alex Caruso – Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers regretted letting Alex Caruso go as soon as he walked out of the building. They haven’t found a never-ending source of grit and defensive energy like him since he walked away. While he’s not an All-Star-caliber player, he should have plenty of suitors.

Caruso is a championship-caliber role player. He’s a guy who can guard one through five, and a streaky scorer who can knock down the occasional three-pointer as well. The Lakers have a solid core, so they shouldn’t make any big move, but they could add Caruso for a big defensive boost.

DeMar DeRozan – Miami Heat

DeMar DeRozan might be the last player the Miami Heat should pursue right now. However, they’ve been tangled up with a trade for him multiple times in the past, and he’s reportedly made them one of his preferred destinations. He’d be a cheap rental, but not a good fit.

DeRozan is just like Jimmy Butler in the sense that they can both put the ball on the floor, create for others, and score from mid and close range. But he’s not a shooter, and the Heat’s spacing is pretty bad as it is. Nonetheless, with the Heat failing to acquire a star multiple times in the past, they could feel desperate to make a move.

Zach LaVine – New York Knicks

Zach LaVine has never hidden his discontent with the organization or coach Billy Donovan. They haven’t seen each other eye-to-eye in quite a while, and there has been a lot of skepticism about his injury. Most people think it’s just a treat to force his way out of the organization.

With that in mind, the New York Knicks could look to make the most of their assets to add another star scorer next to Jalen Brunson. They have enough assets to one-up every team potentially interested in his services, and with most contending teams reportedly having second thoughts about him and whether he can contribute to winning basketball, the Knicks could be in a privileged spot to get him.

The 28-year-old could give them depth and talent behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the purple and gold would rather trade for Demar DeRozan or Alex Caruso instead of LaVine.

“I’ve actually heard that they’re more interested in DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso. A.C., he’s the one that got away,” Buha said in an appearance on Hoops Tonight, via Lakers Nation. “Lakers fans, it still bothers them. Inside of the organization, it’s still a very divisive topic. And then DeMar is someone the Lakers have courted for several years now.“

This could make more sense for the Lakers

DeRozan could bring not only an upgrade in terms of talent but also more veteran presence in the locker room. The team has good memories from Caruso’s time in LA, where he contributed to the franchise’s 17th NBA championship in 2020.

Besides, the financial factor could make them even more logical targets for the Lakers. While LaVine is due more than $40 million in each of the three seasons remaining on his contract, DeRozan’s deal is up in 2024 and Caruso is making less than $10m in the next two years.

“Both of those guys are on more manageable contracts. Alex has a partial guarantee for next season, DeMar is an expiring contract,” Buha added. “DeMar comes in, he’s that over the top shotmaker that the team seemingly doesn’t really have outside of when LeBron’s jumper is falling. And then Alex Caruso, one of the best point of attack defenders in the league, one of the best perimeter in the league period. We’ve seen the success he’s had next to LeBron and AD in a Lakers jersey, so I think both of those guys make more sense within what the Lakers need. There’s real interest in all three guys, but from what I’ve heard DeMar and Alex are higher on their priority list.”

Lakers aim to go further than last season

In Darvin Ham’s first year as head coach, the Lakers built on an unexpected resurgence after the February deadline to make the 2023 Conference Finals. They didn’t have enough firepower to compete against eventual champions Nuggets, but they certainly laid a foundation for this season.

The team re-signed key contributors such as D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt while adding the likes of Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince, and Christian Wood.

Their 11-8 record suggests the Lakers are still a work in progress, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to try and make even more upgrades to the roster. But the trade deadline is still months away from us, so they could take their time before making any decisions.

LeBron James has put up his usual numbers, albeit most of them have come with the game already out of reach or in the fourth quarter. As for Anthony Davis, he’s been great for the most part, with the occasional MIA game.

But with Austin Reaves struggling to take a leap, D’Angelo Russell’s offensive inconsistency, and the rest of the supporting cast failing to rise to the occasion, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Rob Pelinka making some moves before the trade deadline.

LeBron has already spoken: A lot has to change. And if history has taught us something, it’s that once LeBron talks, his GM listens, and he’s not going to sleep on his laurels. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the three most likely trade candidates for the Purple & Gold.

3 Potential Targets For The Lakers

3. Bojan Bogdanovic

Bojan Bogdanovic has missed plenty of time with a calf injury, but he’s one of the best three-point shooters in the game, and the Lakers could use someone like him, who has a big body and can play both forward spots while also being able to stretch the floor with his shooting.

The Detroit Pistons refused to trade him last season when his trade value was at an all-time high, so perhaps they could take the same approach now. However, they’re free-falling, and he could grant them another first-round pick.

Also, matching Bogdanovic’s salary shouldn’t be too complicated for the Lakers. They could part ways with some of their young players to entice the Pistons and get them to make the deal.

2. Alex Caruso

The Los Angeles Lakers have regretted letting Alex Caruso go from the very second he walked out their doors. That was perhaps the biggest mistake of the Pelinka administration.

Caruso is a championship-caliber role player. He’s not a star by any means, but he might as well be the best at what he does: Providing non-stop defensive energy off the bench, haunding rival players up and down the court, and hyping his teammates up.

The Chicago Bulls have one of the worst records in the league, and while Caruso could still be hurt by the Lakers’ reluctance to pay him and keep him, they could give him a chance to win another championship.

1. Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine has been tangled up in trade rumors for quite a while, and the Lakers are the most logical destination for so many reasons, such as his UCLA past and the fact that he’s also represented by Rich Paul, LeBron’s and Davis’ agent.

LaVine’s relationship with Bulls coach Billy Donovan has never been good, and with the Bulls sliding in the standings, his frustration has been more than evident. It’s now or never for them.

The tricky part will be accommodating LaVine’s massive contract in the Lakers’ books, not to mention the fact that other teams could make a better offer. Even so, he’s the other 25+ points-per-game scorer they so desperately crave right now.