There are plenty of philosophies about NBA defense. Some will suggest that to build an elite defense, you need an elite defensive roster. Others will disagree.
They’ll say that coaching and schematic adjustments can compensate for an otherwise weak defensive roster. Take the New York Knicks.
Sure, they’ve got a strong defensive anchor in Mitchell Robinson. Still, this roster has no true Defensive Player of the Year candidate. How is this possible?
Well, head coach Tom Thibodeau is known for his defensive prowess. That likely plays a huge role in this team’s ability to get stops. Still, it’s hard not to imagine how dominant this defense could be if they added an elite perimeter defender.
How about Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal: New York Knicks Land Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso
Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2024 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Alex Caruso, G Jevon Carter, C Andre Drummond
Meanwhile, even the value of defense is questioned. Some will say that it wins championships. Others will say that offense is comfortably more important. Which is it?
Don’t ask the Bulls. This team built their entire roster with offense in mind. The Bulls expected to make defensive concessions with Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic on the roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
Ironically, they fielded a strong defensive team last year. On the other hand, their offense fell short of expectations. That said, this year, the Bulls are simply struggling on both ends of the floor. This team has fallen well short of expectations.
It’s time for the Bulls to rebuild. Is this a good move for them?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Undeniably. This is an excellent deal for Chicago. There may be some in their front office who disagree. It’s been reported that the Bulls are apprehensive about trading Caruso.
They shouldn’t be. Caruso is approaching the back end of his prime. This team needs a comprehensive rebuild. The Bulls should consider getting competitive again in the next half-decade or more. By the time that happens, Caruso will be approaching retirement.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
So, flipping him for a pair of first-round picks would be optimal for this team. There’s nothing else to say – the Bulls need to rebuild, so they need assets. Should the Knicks surrender assets for Caruso?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
On the other hand, this is a steep price for the Knicks to pay. It’s worth noting that Fournier is on an expiring contract. The Knicks aren’t just giving up two firsts for Caruso here – they’re limiting their financial flexibility as well.
They should still do it. Caruso is likely the best defensive guard in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Knicks are a competitive team. They’re well above .500 for the second year in a row. This team could become a dark horse title contender by making some major moves like this one.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
We’re willing to bet that Thibodeau would pull the trigger on this one. He’ll love Caruso. The perfect marriage between coach and player may be too much for the Knicks to pass up on. After all, we know what Thibodeau’s philosophy on defense is.
