Alex Caruso Secures the Bag and His Role with the Thunder

Alex Caruso just secured the bag with a four-year, $81 million contract extension with the Thunder. The deal, confirmed by the team and first reported by Shams Charania, more than doubles the $9.9 million he’s making this season. It’s a well-deserved payday for Caruso, who became eligible for the extension six months after being traded from the Bulls to OKC.

For Caruso, this is more than just a financial win—it’s the latest milestone in an underdog story that feels straight out of a sports movie. Undrafted out of Texas A&M, Caruso grinded his way from the G League to a two-way contract, then onto NBA rotations, eventually becoming a two-time All-Defensive Team player. Reflecting on his journey during the NBA Cup in Vegas, he said, "I’ve never been satisfied," and honestly, that mindset has been his superpower.

On the court, Caruso’s impact goes beyond the box score. Sure, his numbers this season—5.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists per game—aren’t flashy, but his ability to drain threes, create plays, and lock down on defense make him invaluable to OKC’s bench. The Thunder, who are legit contenders this year with the league’s top-ranked defense, know his value, and locking him down for four more seasons is a win for both sides.

For a guy who’s fought for every opportunity, this contract might finally give Caruso a moment to soak it all in. But knowing his grind-first mentality, he’s probably already plotting how to take his game—and the Thunder—to the next level.