Every NBA team could use a player like Alex Caruso. And many of them have the assets to make a transfer for him. That should fuel the fight for one of the league’s best role players.
Caruso He is possibly the best perimeter defender in the entire league. He was recognized as such by being included in the 1st NBA All-Defense. Someone who stands out for his versatility, one-on-one impact, communication and knowledge of the game.
That defensive ability, along with a solid 37% in triples and a salary of $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 | Zach LaVine’s transfer destinations, the next star to emerge?
With the Bulls sinking and Zach LaVine Reportedly available for a trade, Caruso is the player who could end up being moved 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. These are the most likely teams for the point guard and what they can offer the Chicago Bulls.
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The best transfer destinations for Alex Caruso
Philadelphia 76ers
Why does it make sense?
The Sixers received two draft picks and several expirings in the transfer of 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 that they are already a very good team. And they could add another big player like OG Anunoby in upcoming free agency if they do the right thing in the market. They are one of the few (if any) good projects with projected cap space to add to a max contract in June 2024. Caruso’s salary would allow them to keep their options open, mind you.
Caruso would also fit in very well alongside Tyrese Maxey. He could take on the most complex tasks to free you up in attack. On the other hand, the current Bulls player and Joel Embiid would be an excellent defensive tandem, boosting what is already one of the best in the league.
What would the transfer be like?
The Sixers have a couple of expiring contracts that could serve to even the numbers with the Bulls. Furkan Korkmaz has asked to leave the team on several occasions and his salary of 5.3 million, as well as Danuel House’s 4.3 million, would help close the deal.
The Bulls would want the Clippers’ unprotected 2028 first-round pick they received as part of the James Harden trade.
Philadelphia also has a 2026 pick to move that is heavily protected and will likely finish near the end of the first round.
The mix of Korkmaz, House and that 2028 first-round pick would be a nice haul for Chicago. The Sixers could also add one of their young players who haven’t been able to break into the rotation, like KJ Martin or Jaden Springer.
Dallas Mavericks
Why does it make sense?
The Mavs are doing better than most expected with a good start to the season, but their defense is a major problem. They rank last in defensive efficiency and neither Kyrie nor Doncic are stars on that side of the field.
Caruso would surely bolster that defense and open the floor for his two offensive stars. The Mavs are starting with his former teammate Derrick Jones Jr., and the point guard could better fill that role.
What would the transfer be like?
The Mavs have their 2027 first-round pick available for trade, along with two picks second round in 2025 and 2028.
Josh Green is the best player the Bulls could get. He is already a great defender and a good outside 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 transfer him.
Olivier Maxence-Prosper was selected with the #24 pick in the last draft in hopes of being able to contribute immediately as an athletic defender. He hasn’t been good enough to get significant minutes, but he would be a good name for the future.
Caruso and Andre Drummond instead of Maxi Kleber and Prosper would work in salary terms, along with that pick first-round pick in 2027. Drummond would also give the Mavericks much-needed depth.
Denver Nuggets
Why does it make sense?
The Nuggets have started at a fantastic level. They look like the team to beat again this year. But their only glaring weakness is the second unit as they are suffering 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 these four don’t seem quite ready.
Caruso would give them an improved version of Brown, who was immensely important in winning the championship. His defense would lessen the defensive pressure on Nikola Jokic and he is an extremely intelligent off-ball player who would fit into his attacking system.
What would the transfer be like?
The Nuggets don’t have picks first round players available to transfer. They have five second-round picks and good young players like Braun, Nnaji, Strawther and Watson. These last two names in particular have high potential and have not been able to find consistent minutes in the rotation.
Reggie Jackson, with a $5 million contract for the next two years, would have to be added to equalize salaries. The veteran has a restriction that prevents him from being transferred until December 15, so he would 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 an All-Defensive candidate.
It’s impossible to limit Caruso and would make it much more difficult for opposing teams to chip away at Jalen Brunson on switches. That was the formula to beat the Knicks in the Playoffs last season.
What would the transfer be like?
The Knicks have been saving trade picks for a star. In the meantime, maybe they could make a smaller move. They have been unable to come to an agreement on an extension with promising Immanuel Quickley. They could include this one along with Isaiah Hartenstein, DaQuan Jeffries and a pick in exchange for Caruso, Drummond and Dalen Terry.
Los Angeles Lakers
Why does it make sense?
This one is too easy. Caruso remains a legend in Los Angeles. He originally wanted to re-sign there, but the Lakers didn’t want to pay him. Now is his chance to make amends.
The Lakers need to reinforce what has been a poor second unit so far. D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent haven’t been good enough for a championship-level team. Caruso could help them return to the elite defensive level 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 that they can trade.
Max Christie was one of the best players in the Las Vegas Summer League and had a good preseason, but he has not been able to break into the rotation. Vincent has hardly played for the Lakers (he cannot be traded until December 15). Christie, Vincent and a first-round pick for Alex Caruso and Torrey Craig would help both teams.
Milwaukee Bucks
Why doesn’t it make sense
The Bucks have been much worse than expected after acquiring Damian Lillard. His solid defense has fallen to 24th in efficiency in the league, 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 over there in Chicago would be a great addition to the Bucks and I know a lot of people feel that way”
– @ChrisBHaynes on 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 to trade. That’s all.
To make it worth it for the Bulls they would obviously need both. picks. They would also need to get some young players back. MarJon Beauchamp seems like an interesting player, but the Bucks have needed him in the rotation and his $2.6 million salary isn’t close to Caruso’s.
Pat Connaughton’s $9.4 million would probably have to be included to match the salary, but he is again a key piece of the Bucks team.
There really isn’t a transfer that works functionally for either team. Although the Bucks badly need Caruso, there is no deal they can make for him.
Golden State Warriors
Why doesn’t it make sense
The Warriors have been linked to Caruso for some time. Steve Kerr was caught on broadcast saying he would love to have him and interest was reported last year.
That deal made more sense before the Warriors brought back Gary Payton II, who has many matches with Caruso’s skill set. They also 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 reach Caruso’s salary. The Warriors have been very interested in keeping the young outsider and he is one of the few players with size on their team.
2023-11-16 10:51:47
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