Bulls VP: Josh Giddey-Alex Caruso Trade 'Was Fair' and Gives Lonzo Ball Injury Update

The Chicago Bulls have taken some flak from their trade of Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas pushed back on the criticism of the team's acquisition of Josh Giddey.

"It's hard to acquire players this young, this productive, that early in their careers…we thought that was the price to pay for Josh. I feel that this deal was fair. Both sides got what they wanted," Karnisovas told reporters after the draft

The Bulls sent Caruso to Oklahoma City in exchange for Giddey earlier this month. Giddey averaged 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game last season, taking a notable step back from his breakout 2022-23 season.

The Athletic's Anthony Slater and Sam Amick reported the Sacramento Kings offered the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 draft as part of a Caruso trade. An All-Defensive selection each of the last two seasons, Caruso was sought after by several contenders who were looking to upgrade their perimeter defense.

Karnisovas also updated the status of Lonzo Ball, who has not played either of the last two seasons due to knee injuries. He said Ball should be available for training camp.

"He's cleared to do pretty much everything on the floor. Next two months, we're going to see what he's going to look like," Karnisovas told reporters.

Ball is set to make $21.4 million in the final year of his contract. He's repeatedly expressed a desire to continue his basketball career despite the rash of injuries.