Being a fun NBA team to watch does not guarantee success. Sometimes, a fun team is simply that – a fun team. Everyone knows that they won’t win the NBA championship, but they’ll still tune in to watch them.
This year, the Indiana Pacers are one of those teams. They’ve had the best offensive in the NBA throughout 2023-24 so far. The Pacers are a lot of fun to watch.
At the same time, their title odds are virtually nil. Is there anything Indiana could do to change that? Sure. The Pacers need to shore up their defense. If they could do that, they’d be one of the best two-way teams in the NBA.
What if they acquired Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal: Indiana Pacers Land Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Obi Toppin, G/F Jordan Nwora, 2026 First-Round Pick (IND), 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: G/F Alex Caruso
Still, there’s some value in putting an enjoyable product on the floor. It means that you’re at least competitive. If a team is fun, they’re giving their fans something worth watching.
Some fanbases around the NBA would be jealous on those grounds alone. The Bulls have one of those fanbases. There’s been little fun surrounding this team in 2023-24.
The Bulls look disjointed. For that reason, they’re near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. That’s also why they’re seen as a prime candidate to make some moves.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers Updates
The Bulls are overwhelmingly likely to blow up their roster this season. Could they start by sending Caruso to the Pacers?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
One could argue that Caruso is the most attractive trade chip on the Bulls’ roster. Who saw that coming? In the end, Zach LaVine will probably net them more.
Still, nobody should make the mistake of underestimating Caruso’s value. We’re trying to avoid that pitfall. So, a first-round pick and a swap feels like fair value.
Caruso is an elite defender, but he’s somewhat limited on the offensive end. This is a fair amount of draft capital for one of the best specialists in the league.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers Updates
Meanwhile, Toppin and Nwora are both young enough to be part of a rebuilding Bulls’ squad. They may be afterthoughts in this deal, but they’re worth taking on from Chicago’s perspective.
Should the Pacers part with their duo of young forwards?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Sure. Clearing some space for Jarace Walker could be seen as a benefit. Still, that’s not why the Pacers do this deal. They do it to add arguably the best defensive guard in basketball.
Caruso may be a bit limited on offense. That’s fine – the Pacers have plenty of firepower. All they need him to do on that end is space the floor.
They’re adding Caruso for his suffocating point-of-attack defense and unique ability to make defensive plays. Is he a bit old for this younger Pacers team? Sure. We’re not concerned.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers Updates
The Pacers are above .500 – they can justify making win-now moves. After adding Caruso, they may be more than just fun – the Pacers could be dangerous.
