Insider Insights on Bulls’ Potential Alex Caruso Trade Demands
Contrary to their previous firm stance on retaining Alex Caruso, the Chicago Bulls may entertain the idea of parting ways with the All-Defensive standout, albeit with specific conditions.
According to sources cited by Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer on January 24, the Bulls have communicated that they would only contemplate trading Caruso if offered multiple first-round picks, emphasizing the significant value they place on the player. It remains uncertain whether Chicago is genuinely considering moving him at this point.
The Bulls have consistently expressed their desire to keep Caruso, a sentiment that has persisted despite inquiries from potential suitors, as reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania on December 11. Caruso, a 2023 First-Team All-Defensive selection, has continued to impress with strong performances this season, currently averaging a career-high 9.9 points with an impressive 63.8% true shooting rate. His well-rounded contributions include 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and a career-best 42% shooting from beyond the arc on 4.3 attempts per game.
The 29-year-old Caruso, a former NBA champion, is under a team-friendly four-year, $36.9 million contract, further enhancing his attractiveness on the trade market. Among the Bulls’ veteran players, Caruso is currently viewed as the most appealing trade candidate.
Notably, Bulls’ executives, led by Arturas Karnisovas, have emphasized patience with the team’s current roster. Despite exploring trade possibilities for key players like Zach LaVine, the Bulls have been cautious in their approach, with a willingness to wait for the right deal. LaVine, the team’s primary focus, faces a slow-developing trade market due to concerns over his injury history, contract terms, and playing style. The possibility of LaVine remaining with the team through the trade deadline has increased.
While other veterans on the Bulls’ roster, including DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, present trade possibilities, the team’s recent success, with a 16-10 record since November 30, has emboldened them. Currently in contention for the Play-In Tournament, the Bulls are actively exploring ways to enhance their roster before the trade deadline, potentially involving former All-Star Zach LaVine and exploring creative trade options, such as utilizing Lonzo Ball’s insurance-covered contract.
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