With the Chicago Bulls‘ season not going as planned with a 5-9 record, they could be in rebuilding mode. Several teams are interested in superstars like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, but there is another player teams have their eyes on, and it may not be who you think. Guard Alex Caruso reportedly has many teams interested in him if a LaVine and DeRozan trade doesn’t work out. “The Bald Mamba” might not be a team’s first option, but he holds much value.
NBA Rumors: One Chicago Bull is Drawing Major Trade Interest
Why Teams Would Benefit From Alex Caruso
Caruso is not a flashy player. Nor will he be the guy you look for to score you many points in a game. But the Chicago star has so much grit and determination. Caruso went from being a G League player to a key role player in the Los Angeles Lakers championship run in 2020. He was even named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team last season. Caruso is a great defender and may be one of the best this season and last. He is also a great team player.
The Chicago guard can play as a starter or off the bench. As great a defender as he is, Caruso can also be a great playmaker and is a fantastic dunker when needed. Overall, he can be a fantastic role player. He also isn’t as pricey as LaVine or DeRozan. The 29-year-old could be an intriguing addition to whichever team decides to pull the trigger.
Which Teams Want Alex Caruso?
According to Bovada, several teams have solid odds of landing Caruso if the Bulls decide to let him go by the trade deadline. The Philadelphia 76ers (+250) and Los Angeles Lakers (+300) have the best odds of pulling a trade. Following these two are the Golden State Warriors (+450) and Milwaukee Bucks (+450). Then three teams are +650: the Dallas Mavericks, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Los Angeles Clippers. The team with the lowest possibility of landing Caruso is the Denver Nuggets (+800).
Why Each of These Teams Makes Sense For Alex Caruso
A Lakers and Caruso reunion speaks for itself. The Lakers fanbase loved Caruso and did not want to lose him in the first place. He helped the Lakers win a ring, and a reunion just makes sense. The Bucks, Nuggets, and 76ers are all contenders and having Caruso will elevate them defensively, especially a team like the Bucks. The Mavericks are a play-in team and a possible playoff team, and they could use Caruso to upgrade their bench. The Hawks, Warriors, and Clippers both have talented rosters that are currently struggling, and a fresh face like Caruso might make the team better for all three rosters.
Caruso is on a team-friendly four-year $36.98 million contract through 2024-25 with the Chicago Bulls. It will be interesting to see which team will get him and what will be offered for the former champion.
