NBA: Thunder sign Alex Caruso to multi-year extension

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso dribbles during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder announced Sunday that they have signed Alex Caruso to a multi-year extension.

Caruso’s agent, Greg Lawrence, confirmed ESPN’s report that it is a four-year, $81 million deal.

The Thunder added the 30-year-old Caruso in an offseason move that sent Josh Giddey to Chicago. Caruso has fit in seamlessly, averaging 5.7 points and 2.4 assists and ranking sixth in the league with 1.9 steals per game. He has provided a veteran presence on one of the league’s youngest teams.

READ: NBA: Kings nearly pulled off trade to acquire Alex Caruso

With Caruso and Lu Dort creating havoc against opposing backcourts, the Thunder have a Western Conference-best 22-5 record. Oklahoma City leads the league in defensive rating, opponent field goal percentage, opponent 3-point percentage, opponent points per game, turnovers forced, steals and deflections.

Caruso established himself as an elite perimeter defender in four years with the Los Angeles Lakers and three years with the Chicago Bulls before joining the Thunder. He was on the All-Defense first team in 2023 and the second team in 2024.