Josh Giddey, the newly traded Chicago Bulls guard, took to Instagram to express his gratitude towards the Oklahoma City Thunder organization for their support throughout his time with the team. Giddey, who was recently traded for Alex Caruso, thanked the Thunder for sticking with him through both the highs and lows of his career, recognizing that they truly knew the real him.
The 21-year-old guard was initially drafted by the Thunder as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft and went on to start in 210 games for Oklahoma City over the past three seasons. During his time with the Thunder, Giddey showcased his skills by averaging 13.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 31.0 percent from three. He also made history as the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double and was named to the All-Rookie Second Team.
Following the trade, Thunder general manager Sam Presti also released a statement thanking Giddey for his contributions to the team and acknowledging his potential to excel in Chicago. Presti mentioned that when Giddey was drafted in 2021, he was an integral part of the Thunder’s vision for the future, but the team’s evolution led to changes in his role on the team.
While Giddey’s rebounding and passing abilities as a taller guard were commendable, his lack of perimeter shooting became a concern for the Thunder, especially with the team’s preference for floor spacing around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As a result, Giddey’s playing time decreased under head coach Mark Daigneault in the 2024 season, prompting discussions about a potential move to the bench during the following season.
Ultimately, Giddey decided to pursue opportunities elsewhere, leading to his trade to the Bulls. In Chicago, he is set to join Coby White in the backcourt, adding depth and talent to the team following White’s breakout season. With his versatile skill set and potential for growth, Giddey’s move to the Bulls marks a new chapter in his promising career, and fans are eager to see how he will contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming seasons.