The NBA is as competitive as it’s ever been. Even good teams are struggling. Around the league, more teams than not are looking to make the playoffs.
For fans, this is a wonderful development. For teams, it can be a little problematic. Look at the Dallas Mavericks. This team has an MVP-level player in Luka Doncic.
They couldn’t ask for a more talented co-star in Kyrie Irving. Yet, the Mavericks are on the low end of Western Conference playoff teams so far. They could use a win-now upgrade.
On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls have been left behind. There are a few teams around the league with zero playoff hopes, and the Bulls are one of them. As a result, they’re expected to rebuild their roster.
Could they start by sending Alex Caruso to the Mavericks?
NBA Trade Proposal: Dallas Mavericks Land Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso
Chicago Bulls Receive: C Richaun Holmes, 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – DAL), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G/F Alex Caruso, C Andre Drummond
Give the Bulls this much – they tried to compete. A few years ago, this team could have justified rebuilding. They didn’t. Instead, the Bulls tried to put together a group that would at least be a safe playoff bet.
Was that the right decision? On the surface level, the answer is a clear “no.” The Bulls surrendered assets to put this team together. They didn’t even make the playoffs.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks Updates
It’s hard to paint the last few years of Bulls basketball as anything short of a failure. Sure. At the same time, how often do we decry the practice of “tanking”? If nothing else, the Bulls gave it their best shot.
Should they tank now?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Yes. A million times, yes. There’s nobility, and then there’s stupidity. Sometimes, there’s a fine line between the two. If the Bulls refuse to rebuild now, they’ll cross that line.
This deal gets them off to a good start. A first-round pick and two swaps feels like a solid return for Caruso in a vacuum. In practice, these picks from Dallas feel valuable.
The Mavericks are not currently where they’d like to be. There is at least a possibility that this team will implode before 2028.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Otherwise, the Bulls have no reason to avoid Holmes’ contract. It’s modest. This deal helps the Bulls get their rebuild off to a strong start.
Should the Mavericks help them get that start?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
You may be questioning our logic here on Dallas’ end. They’re built around their backcourt. With Doncic and Irving on the roster, why are they sinking assets into another guard?
Frankly, you need to modernize your thinking. Caruso can play the 3. So can Doncic. The modern NBA is positionless. Meanwhile, Caruso is the type of player who can play alongside anyone.
This is perhaps the best defensive guard in the NBA. Moreover, this deal allows the Mavericks to stagger Doncic and Irving and always keep an offensive star on the floor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Moreover, Drummond would also be an upgrade to this team’s rotation. Dallas isn’t as competitive as they’d like, but following this deal, they might be – even in the current NBA.
