Chet Holmgren drops 2-word reaction as teammate signs $81 million extension with OKC

Alex Caruso and the OKC Thunder agreed to a contract extension Sunday night. Afterward, Thunder rising star big man Chet Holmgren shouted out the defensive-minded veteran via a two-word social media message.

Acquired from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for fourth-year guard Josh Giddey in June, Caruso entered the season on a $9.9 million expiring contract. However, amid his high-level early season defensive impact, OKC wasted no time locking down his services long-term.

Per ESPN's Shams Charania, a day after Caruso became extension-eligible on Saturday, he inked a four-year, $81 million contract extension. The deal locks the two-time All-Defensive team selectee up through the 2028-29 season.

Charania added that Caruso ranks "top five (in the NBA) in deflections, field-goal percentage allowed as a contesting defender and points per direct pick allowed as a ball-handler defender." Thus, the franchise's decision was seemingly a no-brainer.

Shortly after the news broke, Holmgren shared Charania's report to his Instagram stories, noting in his caption that his teammate successfully secured the bag.

"Money talks," Holmgren wrote.

Chet Holmgren drops 2-word reaction as Alex Caruso signs $81 million extension with OKC (Image Credit: @chet_holmgren on Instagram)

Caruso's extension marks the most lucrative of his eight-year career, far exceeding the four-year, $37 million contract he signed with Chicago in 2021.

Through 19 outings, Caruso is averaging 5.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.6 blocks and 0.9 3-pointers per game, shooting 38.5%.

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Alex Caruso and OKC thriving in Chet Holmgren's absence

Chet Holmgren has been sidelined since Nov. 10 due to a right iliac hip fracture. However, Alex Caruso and Co. haven't skipped a beat in his absence.

OKC has gone 14-3 without Holmgren, maintaining the Western Conference's top record (22-5). Moreover, the team ranks first in the NBA in defensive rating (103.0) by a considerable margin, with Caruso's perimeter defense being a key reason.

So, the Thunder appear well-positioned to make a deep playoff run upon Holmgren's return. Coming off a second-round postseason exit, the organization's last NBA Finals appearance came in 2012.

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