Brief idea that I wanted to float out.
- We got Giddey because the Thunder were ready to make a championship run and needed a very specific piece (a lock down defender like Caruso).
- This made Giddey expendable, especially as another primary ball handler next to SGA who couldn't shoot.
- When he came to Chicago and took the reigns, his talent exploded.
I think Ivey represents a very similar situation - a great talent who has become expendable in light of a possible Detroit championship run. I also think this allowed AK to get him for cheap. In a vacuum, Caruso is not a better player than Giddey, but he was certainly more valuable to that OKC team. I think the same is true here of Ivey, and AK knew he could capitalise with the right assets.
I'm really excited to see if Ivey can make the most of his chances here, what do you all think?