A year after the Bulls traded Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey, many still view the move as lopsided in favor of Oklahoma City. Critics argue Chicago gave up one of the league’s premier defenders for a player who was falling out of OKC’s plans. From the outside, it looked like the Thunder had “fleeced” the Bulls.
But the Bulls’ front office — led by Artūras Karnišovas — clearly had a strategy in mind, aiming to rebuild while staying competitive. And Josh Giddey, a tall, versatile playmaker, has proven to be a central part of that plan.
Despite national skepticism, including a lukewarm re-grade by ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, Giddey’s fit in Chicago is hard to deny. Pelton acknowledged:
“Although Chicago still should have acquired even more for Caruso given his importance to Oklahoma City, the Bulls are better off with Giddey — a restricted free agent this summer — going forward.”
Last season, Giddey improved across the board, especially after the All-Star break. He averaged 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, shooting 50% from the field and 46% from three-point range. His post-break surge helped transform the Bulls’ offense into one of the league’s fastest and most efficient units.
Thanks to Giddey’s impact, the Bulls skyrocketed from 28th in pace in 2023–24 to second, and from 22nd in scoring (112.3 PPG) to sixth (117.8 PPG). They also became a top-three team in three-point attempts.
Though some argue that Chicago should have demanded more assets in the trade, Giddey’s role as the engine behind this revamped offense is hard to undervalue. Pelton’s re-grade only moved from a C- to a C+, but given Giddey’s influence, many believe that mark is far too low.
Chicago ended the season strong, going 17-10 after the All-Star break — a sharp contrast to their 22-33 record before. The Bulls are now shaping a young, fast-paced core built around Giddey’s playmaking.
He may not be their best scorer, but as the team’s top rebounder and assist leader, Josh Giddey has become their most valuable player. That alone makes the trade far more than just “misunderstood.”
