

Alex Caruso is one of the great role players in today’s NBA. His rise through the basketball landscape is a testament to his never-say-die attitude. Born in College Station, Texas on February 28 1994, to Mike and Jackie Caruso, basketball was in his blood. Dad, Mike, played four years collegiately at Creighton University and would pass on his love for the game to his son. The ‘Bald Mamba’ attended A&M Consolidated High, where he was an All-state performer.
The outcome – an athletic scholarship coming his way to fulfill his lifelong dream of donning the maroon and white. He would go on to have a stellar career at Texas A&M, eventually finishing as the all-time leader in assists (649) and steals (276) for the Aggies. His journey in the NBA so far has been nothing short of remarkable. For someone who was overlooked by all the teams in the 2016 NBA draft, Caruso has come a long way in building himself a financially rewarding NBA career through sheer hard work and determination.
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What is Alex Caruso’s Net Worth in 2025?
All the tough times Caruso faced during his early years in the NBA are a thing of the distant past. He has reached unimaginable heights and as per Spotrac.com, his career earnings as of 2025 are estimated at $42,564,113, with his net worth valued at around $9 million.
What is Alex Caruso’s Salary?
To understand Caruso’s monetary success in the NBA, we need to delve into his humble beginnings. After going undrafted in 2016, he joined the Philadelphia 76ers for the summer league. In September of the same year, he was signed by the Oklahoma City Thunder, only to be waived by them in October. The following month, he would be acquired by the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA Development League.
In 2017, he joined the Lakers for the summer league and impressed, eventually signing his 1st two-way contract with them in July. The Lakers would sign him to another two-way contract the following year. His on-court productivity improved during this period, resulting in Caruso getting his first major breakthrough, signing a two-year $5.5 million contract with the Lakers. From then on, there was no looking back. In 2020, he would win the NBA championship with them while in the Bubble.

via Imago
Nov 20, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) reacts after a play against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Following his tremendous success with the Lakers in 2020, he would become an unrestricted free agent in 2021, signing a four-year $37 million contract with the Chicago Bulls. He would spend three years in the Windy City, being named to the NBA All-Defensive Team twice, once in 2023 as part of the first team and again in 2024 as a second team member.
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In 2024, the Bulls decided to trade him to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey. Ever since Caruso joined the Thunder, he has become an important part of their rotation. His championship pedigree prompted them to sign him to a four-year, $81 million contract extension that runs through to the 2028-29 season. Caruso has always been someone to embrace the “grit and grind” approach to life, making him easily relatable. This has also opened up opportunities in the world of business, with many brands seeking his endorsement.
Alex Caruso’s Brand Endorsements and Sponsorships
ANTA, the Chinese shoe company, was the first to come calling. They signed Caruso to a multi-year deal in February 2021, when he was with the Lakers. His stock continued to rise and when he became a Chicago Bull, Travis Mathew, the upscale sporting apparel brand, decided to take advantage of Caruso’s popularity by welcoming him into their family. His time in Chicago also saw him transitioning from wearing ANTA to Nike’s Kobe Bryant Signature line from January 2023. Although he has managed to garner fame and fortune beyond his imagination through the game he worships, Caruso has never forgotten his roots and prides himself in giving back to the community.
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In March 2023, he was awarded the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his outstanding contribution to the local communities of Chicago, which saw him assist in delivering meals to families. Caruso also personally donated $10,000 to Dion’s Chicago Dream – a local non-profit focusing on creating financial, physical, and emotional stability for residents by helping them fight food insecurity in the city.
Apart from this, he also hosted local Chicago youth and families from Mikva Challenge’s Neighborhood Leadership Initiative (NIL) during the Bulls’ home game against the Hawks on January 23. His extended support to NIL would also see him donate coats and clothes to 500 migrants, youth, and families across three neighborhoods.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s star guard has also started his own foundation – The Alex Caruso Foundation, whose main goal revolves around supporting youth development. In August 2024, the inaugural Alex Caruso Foundation charity Golf tournament was held at Miramont Country Club, aimed towards helping the Brazos Valley Boys & Girls Club.
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This Texas native’s journey to stardom has been far from straightforward, but it serves as a reminder that hard work never fails.
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Does Alex Caruso's journey prove that hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard?