The Chicago Bulls roster is good enough to compete for a Play-In spot, but if the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that the team isn’t quite good enough to guarantee a competitive playoff series. And when the Bulls constructed this roster, that was obviously their goal. They just haven’t gotten there yet.
Because of that, Chicago should be open to considering any and all trades that get thrown their way. They seem to be against the idea of shaking up their core, but swapping out some of their assets on the fringes could be something worth considering, especially if it helps them get younger and add to their draft cabinet.
Buy Bulls TicketsZach Buckley of Bleacher Report recently concocted a trade that would accomplish those goals.
Mock trade sees Bulls flip Alex Caruso to Lakers for Jalen Hood-Schifino
Here is the full outline of Buckley’s trade proposal:
Bulls receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2024 second-round pick (via LAC), 2025 second-round pick (via LAC)
Lakers receive: Alex Caruso
Buckley believes the Los Angeles Lakers should consider adding more depth, especially if that depth is a guy like Caruso, who could strengthen their defense in a return to LA.
“Going back to Hollywood, Caruso could reprise his role as a featured reserve on a championship-focused franchise,” Buckley wrote. “Plus, if the Lakers brought him back, they might have enough depth to shop around a player like Russell and fill a different need on the roster, like depth on the wing or down low.”
Should the Bulls consider this trade?
The Bulls have been very hesitant to give up Caruso in the past, and rightfully so. He’s an All-Defensive First Team guard.
However, a deal like this could be enough to entice them. Jalen Hood-Schifino was the 17th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and has potential, and Jarred Vanderbilt would give them some solid frontcourt depth. Plus, getting two seconds would be a nice bonus, too.
That said, since this proposal was written, the Lakers have extended Vanderbilt, making things a bit trickier.
All things considered, however, if the Bulls were to trade Caruso, they would probably want at least one first-round pick in return.
