THE Oklahoma City Thunder The Red Devils will enter the 2024-25 season as serious title contenders. Having finished as top seed last year, they are in the early stages of a championship window.

One of OKC’s two big offseason additions was Alex Caruso. She acquired the 30-year-old from The Chicago Bulls For Josh GiddeyHe will likely be a starter and will fit perfectly into the Thunder’s defensive trio. The veteran is the ideal complementary player.

To prepare for the 2024-25 season, Thunder wire We’re going to list three predictions for the Thunder’s 17 players. Here are three predictions for Caruso:

Caruso named to All-Defensive Team for third straight time

January 13, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) passes the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY SportsJanuary 13, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) passes the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

January 13, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) passes the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Caruso is known as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, with back-to-back All-Defensive selections to prove it. The 30-year-old has carved out a stellar career at the position, going from undrafted to a top-tier starter. He’ll bolster a top-five defensive unit from last season in OKC. If the Thunder dominate the regular season and show their defensive potential, there are several players who have a real shot at receiving defensive honors. Caruso already has a solid reputation, having been named to an All-Defensive team the last two years. He could earn a third, but this time on a title contender.

Caruso has best outdoor shooting season

March 23, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) shoots and scores a three-pointer against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY SportsMarch 23, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) shoots and scores a three-pointer against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

March 23, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) shoots and scores a three-pointer against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Caruso had his best outside shooting season last year. He shot 40.8 percent from three-point range on 4.7 attempts. He accomplished that feat against the Bulls, who have awkward spacing. Now imagine Caruso getting open catch-and-shoot opportunities from outside because opposing defenses are collapsing to stop him. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Or Jalen Williams on their attacks to the basket. The Thunder’s five-man offense produced the league’s best 3-point shooting team last season. Caruso’s arrival should only help repeat that trend.

Caruso signs contract extension

Nov. 22, 2023; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) gestures after a foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY SportsNov. 22, 2023; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) gestures after a foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Nov. 22, 2023; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) gestures after a foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

The Thunder have several contract negotiations underway shortly. Holmgren and Williams will be eligible to sign extensions next season. Those two shouldn’t have any issues. Gilgeous-Alexander is also eligible for the supermax extension. That could be spicier, but no player has turned down that offer yet. Another player flying under the radar is Caruso. He has a $9.9 million salary that expires. He’ll be eligible for a four-year, $80 million deal in December. Given that OKC views Caruso as its version of Andre Iguodalahe probably made the trade to keep him beyond this season.

This article was originally published on OKC Thunder Wire: 3 predictions for Alex Caruso for the 2024-25 season

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