For some time, NBA fans waited for the Philadelphia 76ers to trade James Harden. When they finally did, some were stunned by the return. Daryl Morey make a trade without receiving a star?
He did. The Sixers traded Harden for assets. Since then, fans have operated under the assumption that they plan to flip those assets for a star.
We don’t blame them. Typically, that’s what Morey does. With that said, a lot has changed since that deal. Tyrese Maxey looks like an All-NBA player.
The Sixers may not need a star. They could justify making a trade for an elite role player instead.
How about Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal: Philadelphia 76ers Land Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Nicolas Batum, 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC via PHI)
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Alex Caruso
Do not underestimate Caruso. He is very good. Some have even suggested that he’ll have a more robust trade market than Zach LaVine. How could that be?
It’s not that the Bulls will get more for Caruso. Somebody is going to give up multiple firsts for an elite scoring guard like LaVine.
The point is that more teams will be interested in Caruso. Simply put, more teams will have a need for him. Think about it.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Rebuilding teams probably won’t want LaVine. Contending teams already have their stars. On the other hand, any team with competitive aspirations should want Caruso.
Should the Sixers be the team to make a move for him?
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal
Why would so many teams be interested in Caruso? That’s not a difficult question to answer. He’s possibly the best defensive guard in the NBA.
Caruso is also shooting the ball with staggering efficiency. The Sixers could use a player like that. Any contending team could.
Caruso is a guard who can impact the game on a high level without taking anything away from Tyrese Maxey. What else is there to say?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The Sixers look like contenders. They’d be much better after adding Caruso. This deal makes perfect sense on the Sixers’ end.
Should it work for Chicago?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
This is similarly easy for the Bulls. They ought to rebuild, and therefore, they ought to move Caruso. The only question is whether this is a strong enough return.
The Bulls should let the market dictate Caruso’s value. If they can get more than this, they should. Meanwhile, if they can get more elsewhere, the Sixers should match that offer.
On Chicago’s end, all that matters is getting as much draft capital for Caruso as they can. They should get at least an unprotected first.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
They also ought to maximize financial flexibility, so Batum’s expiring contract is desirable. With this deal, the Bulls can start rebuilding. The next move will be to find their star.
