One NBA writer is proposing that the Dallas Mavericks acquire Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls in a blockbuster trade.
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report proposed that the Mavericks trade Jaden Hardy, JaVale McGee and a 2025 second-round pick to the Bulls for Caruso.
“Though Caruso is nominally a point guard, he’s capable of checking lead ball-handlers and wings alike,” Hughes wrote. “Case in point: Caruso spent more time matched up with the 6’3″ (on a good day) Donovan Mitchell last year than he did against anyone else. But the 6’8″ Jayson Tatum sits fourth on that same list. Whether taking the tough assignment to spare Kyrie Irving or Luka Dončić, Caruso, No. 1 in defensive estimated plus/minus last season, is up for it.”
Caruso is one of the best defenders in the NBA. He made the KIA All-Defensive First Team last season. The former Los Angeles Lakers guard averaged 5.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 steals in 67 games for the Bulls in 2022-23 while shooting 45.5% from the field, 36.4% from beyond the arc and 80.8% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Mavericks need more elite defenders since neither Luka Doncic nor Kyrie Irving are known for their defense. Dallas gave up 114.1 points per game last season and had a defensive rating of 116.7. The team won only 38 games and didn’t even qualify for the play-in tournament despite having two of the best offensive players in the NBA in Doncic and Irving.
The Bulls could rebuild this summer after failing to make the playoffs last season, although a league source told NBA Analysis Network that Chicago hasn’t thought about moving Caruso.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls & Dallas Mavericks Updates
The one-time NBA champion signed a four-year, $37 million contract with Chicago in the summer of 2021. He’ll make $9.5 million next season. Caruso has career averages of 6.0 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists with the Lakers and Bulls.
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