The Orlando Magic are blossoming in front of our eyes. Few young NBA teams can boast their level of success. The Magic aren’t rebuilding anymore – they’re ready to make a playoff run now.
This rebuild has been impressive. The Magic are finding success primarily by playing through the players that they drafted. This team hasn’t made a blockbuster deal for a star. Instead, they’ve grown internally – and it’s showing.
Still, it feels like they could make a major trade soon. Orlando could be a piece away from title contention.
Could Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls be that piece?
NBA Trade Proposal: Orlando Magic Land Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso
Chicago Bulls Receive: G/F Gary Harris, 2025 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: G/F Alex Caruso, F Torrey Craig
The Chicago Bulls are collapsing in front of our eyes. Few veteran NBA teams are dealing with this level of failure. The Bulls need to rebuild – they aren’t ready to make a playoff run.
In some respects, their failures are linked to the Magic’s success. This wouldn’t be the first significant trade these two organizations made recently. The Magic sent Nikola Vucevic to the Bulls in exchange for Wendell Carter Jr. and some draft capital. By all appearances, the Magic won the deal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic Updates
That’s not a knock on Vucevic. Simply put, the Bulls weren’t ready to contend. This organization was too eager to put a contender together. Now, it looks like they’ll be rebuilding soon. Should they start by sending Caruso to the Magic?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
It’s been rumored that the Bulls don’t want to move Caruso. They feel like he’s a success story for their organization. That’s understandable.
Caruso started breaking out with the Los Angeles Lakers, but he’s truly emerged in the Windy City. That’s not a reason to hang onto him.
Signing Caruso away from the Lakers and flipping him for a pair of first-round picks would still be an unqualified success. The Bulls need to be thinking practically instead of emotionally. Caruso may be the best trade chip they’ve got.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic Updates
Meanwhile, this team needs to rebuild. Caruso is 29 – he’s not a viable piece of a rebuild. Moving him for draft capital is the sensible thing to do.
Should the Magic part with their draft capital?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
The Magic could use a guard who can shoot. That’s well-documented. Anthony Black has been impressive as a rookie, Cole Anthony has been solid, and Jalen Suggs has been rounding into form. Still, none of them are a lethal three-point shooter.
Caruso isn’t necessarily a shooting specialist. Still, he’s a solid threat from that range. He’s also possibly the best defensive guard in the NBA. That’s why the Magic are making this deal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic Updates
Pairing him with either Suggs or Black could give Orlando the best defensive backcourt in the league. Orlando is already excellent on that end of the floor – why not lean into a defensive identity? By adding Caruso, they should only continue to rise.
