Alex Caruso secured a spot in the NBA Finals on Wednesday night, delivering a significant defensive performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 and helping the Oklahoma City Thunder take a commanding 39-point lead. Although his eight points on one-for-five shooting might not stand out, Caruso’s impact on the Thunder’s postseason has been undeniable. As the NBA Finals commence on June 5, his presence will continue to be a key factor in the series.

Caruso’s playoff success has reignited discussion around the Chicago Bulls’ trade involving him, particularly the team‘s failure to obtain even a single draft pick in exchange. Fans and media alike have been vocal about this one-for-one deal whenever Caruso makes a notable play, highlighting how this deal remains a sore point for Chicago.

Caruso’s Journey: From Bulls’ Role Player to Finals Contender

Despite the Bulls’ short-sighted trade, Alex Caruso has found considerable success with the Thunder. His relentless defensive work and versatility have been vital for Oklahoma City’s deep postseason run. After years of delivering solid but underappreciated performances with the Bulls, mostly in seasons where Chicago struggled to compete for meaningful playoff positioning, Caruso now enjoys a national spotlight and a chance to compete for an NBA championship ring.

Caruso represents the ideal support player, combining defensive tenacity with team-first mentality. His emergence on a championship-caliber team underlines what Chicago lost when they parted ways with him. The Bulls now face the fallout of an inability to fully capitalize on his value during the trade.

“So happy for my guy @AlexCaruso getting a chance on the National stage to show what we here in Chicago already knew!!! He’s a big piece to any championship caliber team and the fans in OKC are seeing it first hand! Unbelievable defensive player and team first guy but an even…— Stacey King (@Stacey21King) May 29, 2025”

Challenges Loom for Chicago Bulls as Draft Night Approaches

Caruso’s rising profile adds a new layer of scrutiny on the Bulls as they prepare for the NBA Draft. Chicago’s ongoing struggles have been compounded by their inability to build around emerging talent or secure assets from past trades. While Caruso thrived, the Bulls have maintained a largely irrelevant presence nationally over recent years, often missing out on televised games and playoff contention.

All eyes will be on the Bulls’ draft strategy this season, especially given the recent reshaped offensive identity that could influence their target selections. Maryland’s Derik Queen, a promising big man whose draft stock has slipped after a subpar NBA combine, is a key name in the conversation. Despite limitations such as lack of floor spacing and raw athleticism—traits potentially at odds with Chicago’s uptempo style—Queen’s touch, strength, and passing ability keep him in debate.

K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network discussed the Bulls’ draft approach on 670 The Score’s Mully & Haugh show, noting that Queen could fall further down the draft board and highlighting that the team might reconsider their priorities based on their new offensive outlook.

“We Got Some Insight on How the Chicago Bulls Will Approach This Year’s Draft”

Bulls’ Roster and Draft Strategy Under Close Examination

Johnson also reflected on the trade deadline, expressing surprise at the number of guards Chicago interviewed, despite an already deep backcourt. This has led to speculation that the Bulls might focus more on the wing or center positions in the draft. However, he emphasized that Chicago must remain open to all possibilities and prioritize selecting the best player available, regardless of position, especially after finishing below .500 for three straight seasons.

For a franchise eager to reverse recent disappointments, embracing flexibility and selecting the most talented player could be critical steps toward rebuilding.

Broader Chicago Sports Scene Faces Early Season Struggles

Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky prepare to host the Dallas Wings at Wintrust Arena in a crucial early-season game. The Sky have started 0-4, including three consecutive losses by large margins, making this matchup feel like a must-win to stave off further decline. Early signs in Phoenix showed some promise despite the defeat, but the team must build on that momentum to avoid hitting a franchise-worst 0-5 start with the current roster.

Elsewhere, the Chicago Cubs secured a sweep against the Colorado Rockies, adding a positive note to the city’s sports landscape. In football, Caleb Williams, the Bears’ franchise cornerstone, addressed his earlier reluctance to join the team in a detailed response that showed maturity and insight.

Implications for Chicago’s Future in Basketball and Beyond

Alex Caruso’s NBA Finals appearance serves as both a celebration and a reflection point for Chicago sports. His growth from a committed Bulls role player to an integral piece of a Finals-bound team underlines the Bulls’ missteps in talent evaluation and asset management. With draft decisions looming, particularly around talents like Derik Queen, Chicago’s front office faces critical choices that will influence the team’s trajectory for years to come.

The city’s passion remains strong, but the road back to relevance in professional basketball requires sharper decisions, better negotiation outcomes, and a willingness to pivot strategies based on roster needs and player development. As Caruso competes for a championship, Chicago watches and waits for signs of its own resurgence.