Every NBA team could use a player like that Alex Caruso. And many of them have the assets to make one TRANSPORT for him. That should fuel the race for one of the best players in the league.
Caruso He’s probably the best perimeter defender in the entire league. It was recognized as such by being included in the 1st NBA All-Defense. Someone who stands out for his flexibility, one-on-one impact, communication and knowledge of the game.
This defensive ability, along with a stable 37% in triples and his salary $9.5 million this season along with $9.9 million partially guaranteed next year they make him an extremely valuable and easy-to-find player.
More | The transfer destinations of Zach LaVine, the next star to emerge?
With the Bulls sinking and Zach LaVine Reportedly available for trade, Caruso is the player who could end up moving and changing the landscape of the league more than anyone else on the Bulls roster.
Alex Caruso is not a star, but he is a good defender. Here are the most likely teams for the point guard and what they can offer the Chicago Bulls.
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The best transport destinations for Alex Caruso
Philadelphia 76ers
Why does it make sense?
The Sixers received two draft picks and plenty expirations in signing James Harden with the idea of being able to use them to get another player. They could go with a guy like Zach LaVine, but Caruso would make more sense.
Philadelphia has shown they are already a very good team. And they could add another big player like OG Anunoby in the upcoming free agency if they do the right thing in the market. He’s one of the few (if any) good projected cap projects that can be added to a max contract in June 2024. Caruso’s salary would allow them to keep their options open, mind you.
Caruso would also fit very well next to Tyrese Maxey. He could take on the most complex tasks to free him up on offense. On the other hand, the current Bulls player and Joel Embiid would be an excellent defensive tandem, bolstering what is already one of the best in the league.
What would the transfer be like?
The Sixers have a few expiring contracts that could serve to even the numbers with the Bulls. Furkan Korkmaz has asked to leave the team on multiple occasions and his 5.3 million salary, as well as Danuel House’s 4.3 million, would help seal the deal.
The Bulls would like the Clippers’ unprotected 2028 first-round pick they received as part of the James Harden trade.
Philadelphia also has a heavily protected 2026 pick and will likely end up near the end of the first round.
The mix of Korkmaz, House and that 2028 first round pick would be a good opportunity for Chicago. The Sixers could also add one of their young players who haven’t made it into the rotation, like KJ Martin or Jaden Springer.
Dallas Mavericks
Why does it make sense?
The Mavs are doing better than expected with a good start to the season, but their defense is a big problem. They rank last in defensive efficiency and neither Kyrie nor Doncic are stars on that side of the court.
Caruso would certainly strengthen that defense and open up the floor for his two attacking stars. The Mavs are starting former teammate Derrick Jones Jr. and the point guard could fill that role better.
What would the transfer be like?
The Mavs have their 2027 first-round pick available for trade, along with two chooses second round in 2025 and 2028.
Josh Green is the best player the Bulls could get. He’s already an excellent defender and a good shooter, but his contract makes it difficult to find a deal. On the other hand, Jaden Hardy is another good project, but the Mavericks would be very reluctant to trade him.
Olivier Maxence-Prosper was selected with the number 24 pick in the last draft in hopes of being able to contribute immediately as an athletic defender. He wasn’t good enough to earn significant minutes, but he would be a good name for the future.
Caruso and Andre Drummond instead of Maxi Kleber and Prosper would work on salary, along with that choose first-round pick in 2027. Drummond would also give the Mavericks much-needed depth.
Denver Nuggets
Why does it make sense?
The Nuggets are off to a fantastic start. They look like the team to beat again this year. But their only glaring weakness is the second unit as they suffer from the departure of Bruce Brown in free agency. They were hoping that young players like Christian Braun, Zeke Nnaji, Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson could step up, but those four don’t seem quite ready.
Caruso would give them an improved version of Brown, who was extremely important in winning the championship. His defense would reduce the defensive pressure on Nikola Jokic and he is an extremely intelligent off-ball player who would fit into their attacking system.
What would the transfer be like?
The Nuggets have not chooses first round players available for transfer. They have five second round picks and good young players like Braun, Nnaji, Strawther and Watson. Those last two names in particular have high potential and haven’t been able to find consistent minutes in the rotation.
Reggie Jackson, under contract at $5 million over the next two years, would have to be added to even out the salaries. The veteran is restricted from transferring until Dec. 15, so we’ll have to wait.
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New York Knicks
Why does it make sense?
Tom Thibodeau would be salivating at the thought of adding a defensive player like Caruso. His Knicks are already one of the best defenses this season with Mitchell Robinson who should be a contender for the defense.
It’s impossible to contain Caruso and it would be much harder for opposing teams to avoid Jalen Brunson with switches. That was the formula to beat the Knicks in the playoffs last season.
What would the transfer be like?
The Knicks are saving trade picks for a star. In the meantime, maybe they could make a smaller move. They were unable to come to terms on an extension with the promising Immanuel Quickley. They could include that along with Isaiah Hartenstein, DaQuan Jeffries and one choose in exchange for Caruso, Drummond and Dalen Terry.
Los Angeles Lakers
Why does it make sense?
This is very easy. Caruso remains a legend in Los Angeles. He originally wanted to re-sign there, but the Lakers wouldn’t pay him. Now is your chance to make peace.
The Lakers need to shore up what has been a poor second unit thus far. D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent weren’t good enough for a championship-caliber team. Caruso could help them return to the elite level of defense that propelled them to the championship in 2020. He obviously has familiarity and trust with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
What would the transfer be like?
The Lakers have a first-round pick in 2029 or 2030 they can trade.
Max Christie was one of the best players in the Las Vegas Summer League and had a good preseason, but failed to break into the rotation. Vincent has barely played for the Lakers (can’t be traded until December 15th). Christie, Vincent and a first round pick for Alex Caruso and Torrey Craig would help both teams.
Milwaukee Bucks
Because it doesn’t make sense
The Bucks have been much worse than expected after acquiring Damian Lillard. Their stout defense has fallen to 24th in the league in efficiency, largely due to the absence of perimeter players like Jrue Holiday and Jevon Carter.
There is no better option for the Bucks than Caruso, and they know it.
“Alex Caruso there in Chicago would be a great addition to the Bucks and I know a lot of people feel that way.”
– @ChrisBHaynes to Alex Caruso and Milwaukee 👀
(Via This League Podcast / 🎨 @Dame_Carrying ) pic.twitter.com/9wDiCFj8un
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 14, 2023
What would the transfer be like?
The Bucks have two second-round picks available for trade. That’s all.
To make it worthwhile for the Bulls, they would obviously need both. chooses. They should also get some young players back. MarJon Beauchamp looks like an interesting player, but the Bucks needed him in the rotation and his $2.6 million salary is nowhere near Caruso’s.
Pat Connaughton’s $9.4 million should probably be included to match the salary, but he’s still a key piece of the Bucks team.
There really isn’t a transfer that works functionally for either team. Although the Bucks need Caruso badly, there is no deal they can make for him.
Golden State Warriors
Because it doesn’t make sense
The Warriors have been linked to Caruso for some time. Steve Kerr was caught on the show saying he would love to have him and interest was reported last year.
This deal made more sense before the Warriors brought back Gary Payton II, who has plenty of matchups with Caruso’s skill set. They already have a pretty good outside rotation with Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Klay Thompson, Payton, Moses Moody and promising rookie Brandin Podziemski.
What would the transfer be like?
Jonathan Kuminga’s $6 million would probably have to be included in this deal to make it worth it for the Bulls to match Caruso’s salary. The Warriors were very interested in keeping the young underdog and he is one of the few players with size on their team.
