The Thunder traded Giddey to the Bulls in exchange for Alex Caruso on Thursday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
After receiving a significantly reduced role in the playoffs, averaging just 12.5 minutes across six games against Dallas, Giddey's long-term future in Oklahoma City seemed uncertain. As such, it is not surprising to see the 21-year-old guard dealt for Caruso, who can offer better perimeter defense for the Thunder. Giddey could receive an opportunity to have the ball in his hands more often now that he is no longer playing alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 25.2 minutes across 80 games in 2023-24. However, he will be competing for playing time in a crowded backcourt with Coby White, Zach LaVine, Ayo Dosunmu and Lonzo Ball (knee).
Giddey closed Saturday's 117-116 loss to Dallas in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals with two points (1-3 FG, 0-2 3Pt), four rebounds and one assist in 10 minutes.
Giddey played just 10 minutes in the loss, ending what has been a disappointing season for the young Australian. Having started the majority of the season, he was moved to the bench in recent games. In fact, he played fewer than 15 minutes in five straight contests to end the campaign, placing some doubt over what his role could look like in 2024-25.
Giddey will come of the bench for Wednesday's Game 5 against the Mavericks, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.
Giddey has seen his playing time drop off drastically during the series, seeing fewer than 15 minutes in three straight contests. He's been a non-factor against Dallas, averaging 6.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 13.3 minutes per contest. Isaiah Joe will replace him in the starting lineup next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the backcourt.
Giddey closed Thursday's 119-110 loss to the Mavericks in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals with eight points (3-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and two rebounds over 11 minutes.
Giddey's minutes continue to decrease with each passing game, and it wouldn't be surprising if he moves to a bench role ahead of Game 3 given how much he's struggled on both ends of the court. He delivered good numbers against the Pelicans, but in the two outings against Dallas, he's averaging 5.0 points while shooting 40 percent from the floor across 14 minutes.
Giddey notched 21 points (8-13 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, six assists and one steal in 31 minutes during Saturday's 106-85 victory over New Orleans in Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Giddey put together his best performance of the postseason, helping guide the Thunder to a comfortable victory. He was one of three Oklahoma City players to score at least 20 points, a feat achieved by no one for the Pelicans. Now leading the series 3-0, the Thunder will look to end things in Game 4 on Monday.
