Alex Caruso of Oklahoma City is now eligible for a contract extension worth up to $81,096,960 over four years. Before Saturday, the maximum extension was $48,875,400 over three years.
Speaking with Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Caruso admitted he hadn’t realized the significance of the day but emphasized his focus on helping the Thunder compete for a title.
He also acknowledged that it “would be awesome” to sign a long-term deal with the top-seeded team in the Western Conference.
“Obviously this is a place that I think is ascending, and that’s something I want to be a part of,” the player said. “That’s why I’m here. I think the writing is on the wall. People don’t trade for guys in the last year of their contracts unless they expect to keep ’em for a while.”
Caruso, in the final year of his four-year, $37MM contract, is eligible for a first-year salary of $18,102,000 with 8% annual raises. While it’s unclear if the Thunder will offer the full extension, Caruso’s camp would welcome a $20MM annual average.
Though he’s struggled offensively this season, averaging 5.7 points per game on poor shooting, Caruso has been a solid defender and locker-room leader. Head coach Mark Daigneault praised his competitiveness and focus.
If an extension isn’t reached during the season, the Thunder would hold Caruso’s Bird rights next summer, putting them in a strong position to re-sign him.
Alex Caruso Newly Eligible For Four-Year Extension https://t.co/yccceqVaza pic.twitter.com/up00KJGyB0
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 21, 2024
