The Chicago Bulls were among the few teams that didn’t make a move at the trade deadline. The decision to keep the roster intact for the stretch run could be viewed as the team punting the rest of this season or internal thoughts that the team can pull things together after the All-Star break.
A player on many teams’ radar was guard Alex Caruso, a proven top-tier role player on a contending squad. The former Los Angeles Lakers spark plug during their championship run in the bubble is a player that can affect a game without scoring.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, Caruso was being kept by the Bulls at a high value at the trade deadline. Bulls reportedly told various inquiring teams they could get upward of two first-rounders for the former NBA champion. Caruso averages 5.5 points and 3.2 assists per game, but his intangibles and defense have always kept him on the floor playing significant minutes.
During the Bulls ‘ first-round playoff matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks last season, Caruso was praised for his defense and hustle by former NBA player JJ Redick on his podcast, The Old Man and the Three.
“He hasn’t been their best player in the series, but Alex Caruso, to me, has been their most important player in the series,” said Redick. “In these first two games, even in game one, so disruptive, whether it was steals, deflections, taking the Bucks out of their offense or drawing multiple offensive fouls.”
Caruso agreed to a four-year, $37 million deal with the Bulls during the 2021 offseason. He is still valued highly in Chicago as they hope to continue building for future success.
Stay tuned to Bulls Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
