Every NBA coach has their style. They each have preferences. They each have priorities as well. A coach forges his identity by putting his priorities into action.
Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks has a distinct identity. He’s a defensive-minded coach. It’s always been that way for Thibodeau. If he’s leading your squad, they’re going to prioritize the defensive end of the floor.
The Knicks have given him the type of roster that he prefers. After landing O.G. Anunoby, the Knicks assembled one of the best collections of defensive wings in the NBA. With that said, they could use another defensive guard. Could they make a move for Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls this summer?
NBA Trade Proposal
Chicago Bulls Receive: C Mitchell Robinson, 2025 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Alex Caruso, C Andre Drummond
A coach can have whatever identity they choose. If they don’t have a strong roster, it won’t amount to very much. This is a star-driven league – if you don’t have top players, you won’t field a top roster.
Just ask the Bulls. This team was built to win. The Bulls have plenty of star-caliber players. The problem is that they’re lower-tier stars. Without a top player, the Bulls have floundered.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
With that in mind, a lot of fans thought they’d be sellers at this year’s deadline. They weren’t. The Bulls held steady. It seems they’d like to stay competitive through 2023-24. If they can’t, is it time to sell this summer?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
It was time to sell last summer. The Bulls have been desperately clinging to relevance, and they’re losing their grip. If they can’t make a playoff push, they need to face reality this summer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
That likely starts with moving Caruso. By all accounts, he’s got the most trade value on this team. Here, the Bulls are flipping him for two first-round picks.
Granted, one of those picks is protected. That’s because the Bulls are also landing Robinson. If they don’t want to tank to the bottom of the standings, bringing in a 25-year-old with elite rim protection should suit them. Should the Knicks give that rim protector up?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Do the Knicks have a top-tier star? There’s been much debate over whether Jalen Brunson fits the bill. It doesn’t matter – whether they have that star or not, the Knicks are winning.
So, win-now upgrades can be justified. The Knicks have had some success starting Isaiah Hartenstein since Robinson got injured. He may be expendable to them this summer. If the Knicks are open to moving him, he could help them make a significant deal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks Updates
Caruso would be a perfect acquisition. He’s arguably the best defensive guard in the NBA. Something tells us that Tom Thibodeau would love him.
