It would not be stunning if Josh Giddey harbored some onerous emotions towards the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder — the group that drafted him No. 6 total within the 2021 NBA Draft, solely to commerce him final offseason to the Chicago Bulls. Giddey was as soon as considered as a cornerstone for the Thunder’s rebuild, however the franchise moved on, buying veteran guard Alex Caruso in alternate. Including to the sting, the Thunder went on to win their first NBA Finals title the very first season after Giddey’s departure.

“After I left, I at all times thought that I might be like, ‘Rattling, I hope these guys miss the playoffs. I hope these guys have no success,'” Giddey mentioned on the Ball Magnets podcast. “However now watching it, because the season went on, I severely love watching them. Clearly I am with the Bulls, however the subsequent group I’ve watched probably the most is OKC.”

Giddey credit his altering perspective to the robust bonds he constructed with many gamers and the group throughout his time in Oklahoma Metropolis. Regardless of now carrying a Bulls jersey, he stays deeply related to the Thunder, rooting for his or her success and hoping to catch a recreation in OKC if the schedule permits. 

“I like them, and I am so shut with a number of the fellows there, in order that’s in all probability the principle factor,” Giddey continued. “I genuinely root for these guys and need them to win the championship. I am simply so shut with so many individuals there. … That place is unbelievable to play in within the playoffs. OKC followers are unbelievable. And like I mentioned, the relationships that I’ve with the gamers, I genuinely hoped that if the Bulls do not win it, I hope the Thunder win it. As a result of I am shut with the fellows. That group was so good to me by way of my three years, 4 years there, so I want them and people guys nothing however the very best and love watching them play.”

Throughout his three seasons with the Thunder, Giddey emerged as one of many league’s most promising younger level guards. He averaged 13.9 factors, 7.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per recreation by way of the 2023–24 season, changing into a key playmaker and the centerpiece of the Thunder’s rebuilding effort. 

Regardless of his regular manufacturing and management, the Thunder traded Giddey to the Bulls. Since becoming a member of Chicago, the 22-year-old Giddey continued to shine, averaging 14.6 factors, 8.1 rebounds and seven.2 assists throughout the 2024-25 season, serving to the Bulls make a playoff push.

Giddey is a restricted free agent this offseason, however has but to signal a brand new cope with the Bulls.