Some NBA stars force their team to compromise. We’re talking about flawed players who are so talented that a team will live with their flaws. Arguably, Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks is the perfect example.
Young is among the best playmakers in the entire NBA. His ability to score and pass makes him a walking offensive system. With that said Young is a defensive liability.
As one of the league’s smaller guards, Young can be easily exploited by certain teams. So, the Hawks have worked to put quality defensive players around him.
It’s been a difficult process, but if the Hawks continue building their team that way, they should be able to find some success.
Could they acquire Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal: Atlanta Hawks Land Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Bogdan Bogdanovic, 2024 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – SAC via ATL), 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Alex Caruso, F Patrick Williams
With that said, fans should be keeping an eye on the Hawks. This team is underperforming – again. The Hawks appear to be stuck in mediocrity. If that holds true for much longer, it wouldn’t be a shock if they blew up their roster.
After all, look at the Bulls. This team has been in the same situation. Their roster construction is significantly different. Where the Hawks lean on Young for heavy usage, the Bulls tripled down on offensive stars.
In the end, the results have been similar: the Hawks hang around the bottom of the playoff race on a perennial basis. That’s not sustainable.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls Updates
The Hawks need to pick up the pace in 2023-24. If this team has another underwhelming season, they could be blowing up their roster like the Bulls are expected to do soon.
Does this deal get the Hawks back on track?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
In fact, Atlanta acquired Dejounte Murray specifically to cover for Young on defense. That made some sense, but unfortunately, the offensive fit between the pair is suspect. Young and Murray are both best with the ball in their hands.
On the other hand, Caruso thrives off of the ball. In all likelihood, he’d function as a sixth man on this team who can play alongside either starting guard – and, at times, both in three-guard lineups.
When Caruso is next to Young, he can cover for him defensively. When he’s next to Murray, the Hawks will be fielding the best defensive backcourt in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls Updates
Meanwhile, taking a flyer on Williams makes sense too. The recent lottery pick is having a difficult season, but in theory, he’s the type of 3-and-D wing that this team needs.
Should the Bulls part with him at the onset of their rebuild?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
That’s debatable. Here’s what isn’t – the Bulls should trade Caruso if they’re rebuilding. By all accounts, that’s what they intend to do. The Bulls are allegedly looking to trade Zach LaVine before the season ends.
If that’s true, this will be a wholesale rebuild. The Bulls shouldn’t be looking for anything outside of draft capital in any trade that they’re making.
Here, they’re flipping Caruso and Williams for a pick that’s nearly certain to convey and an unprotected first. Trading Williams isn’t necessary. He’s young enough to be part of a rebuild.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls Updates
Still, if the Bulls want a fresh start, they could move him. In the end, the plan for Chicago will be to draft a future star – even if he forces them to compromise.
