Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls is sidelined with right knee soreness. If you’re a long-term NBA fan, your sixth sense is tingling. It’s entirely possible that LaVine’s knee is sore.
It’s also possible that LaVine has come down with a bad case of “about to be traded syndrome”. In either case, the Bulls appear likely to move on. This team once again has a losing record.
The writing is on the wall for Chicago. This team is going to blow up their roster in 2023-24. in all likelihood, that means more than simply moving LaVine.
Does it mean moving Alex Caruso? We’re not sure. By all accounts, the Bulls aren’t actively shopping him. That’s fair, but if someone made the right offer, they may not be able to refuse it.
Could the Golden State Warriors offer Jonathan Kuminga?
NBA Trade Proposal: Chicago Bulls Land Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F Alex Caruso
Chicago Bulls Receive: F Jonathan Kuminga, G Cory Joseph
The Bulls have been on trade watch since last season. There was ample speculation that they’d sell at last year’s deadline. They didn’t.
Now that they’re once again turning in a mediocre season, some trades feel like an inevitability. On the other hand, the Warriors have quietly had a disappointing season in their own right.
As of this writing, they’re a game below .500. This isn’t right. What happened to the contending Warriors we’ve all grown accustomed to? Age. Roster depletion.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls Updates
Klay Thompson is a shell of himself. Chris Paul has been useful, but he isn’t enough. Yet, Steph Curry remains Steph Curry. The Warriors have a chance at the title as long as that’s true.
Does acquiring Caruso bolster their odds?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
We know what you’re thinking. That’s a lot of guards. Yes. That’s fine. After Curry, Caruso would be the best guard on this roster. He’s worth making accommodations for.
This would likely require the Warriors to lessen Thompson’s role. That could be emotionally difficult for this team, but it may be necessary anyway. Thompson is not performing.
Meanwhile, Caruso can plug into his presumed role as a 3-and-D guard. At the same time, both Caruso and Thompson can play the three.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls Updates
This deal may complicate the Warriors’ rotation, but they can work around those complications. It’ll be worth the effort if they add arguably the best defensive guard in basketball.
Should the Bulls move such a valuable player?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Absolutely. If the Warriors offered this deal, the Bulls would be foolish to decline. As valuable as Caruso is, he’s on the back end of his prime. By contrast, Kuminga presents limitless possibilities.
A year ago, that would have been a bold claim. Kuminga was a negative impact player. This year, he’s rounding into form.
Yet, one wonders what he could be once freed from the constraints of playing for a title contender. He could be a superstar. That’s the gamble here. Kuminga is young enough to develop into that type of talent.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls Updates
As the Bulls navigate their rebuild, they need to prioritize players with upside. In the meantime, don’t be surprised if Caruso is dealing with some right knee soreness of his own in due time.
