Roughly a quarter into the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder sits atop the Western Conference. It's gotten cozy there despite missing one of its best players for half the season, and seeing its injury report read like a roster sheet.

When the Thunder made the player-for-player swap official between Josh Giddey and Caruso, they had to wait six months before officially opening negotiations. That window will open on Dec. 21. OKC GM Sam Presti could gift Thunder fans an early Christmas present by locking down the 30-year-old for the long haul.

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault smiled when the front office acquired Alex Caruso. The All-Defensive Second Team guard was dealt to Oklahoma City in exchange for Josh Giddey. In the final year of his four-year, $36.9 million contract, Thunder's Caruso is in line for a contract extension.

The Oklahoma City Thunder can ink Alex Caruso to a new extension in a matter of weeks. This is going to be a priority for Sam Presti and company according to reports.