Alex Caruso has already played an important role in winning an NBA championship and his talents are better suited with a contender.
Even after just a few games, unfortunately, it already seems like the dysfunctional Bulls will not afford him that opportunity in Chicago. So for the sake of all parties involved, it might be the best-case scenario for the franchise to trade him to a team where he actually has a chance to win.
For example, he proved his value again while defending Kevin Durant against the Suns on Wednesday. Caruso had a game-high plus-minus (24) in a one-point loss against Phoenix.
Alex Caruso gave Kevin Durant hell last night. Deep dive on how he did it.
Turn sound on to hear why Caruso is a defensive savant. pic.twitter.com/F8hT1IiMr7
— Steph Noh (@StephNoh) November 9, 2023
Ricky O’Donnell agreed that it makes more sense for Chicago to cash in on Caruso now, offering the following thoughts (via SB Nation):
“It’s a shame Caruso’s impact is being wasted on a team as hopeless as the Bulls. He deserves to be playing the type of meaningful games late the season that Chicago isn’t good enough to be involved in. If the Bulls ever decide to blow it up, Caruso should be the first player they trade. He’d be a great fit on any contender, and his ability to change the game goes so far beyond his box score numbers.”
Caruso was mentioned as a potential player on the move before the trade deadline last season and the Bulls reportedly coveted multiple first-round picks in return.
K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago has reported that Caruso remains “constantly sought after” by contenders. His trade value is likely higher right now than ever (which likely makes a deal very difficult for asset-poor teams like the Suns) and a bidding war may be on the horizon.
It is unclear if he could fetch multiple first-rounders in this market but if he were put on the block, the following teams should sprint to put in an offer: