Rumour: Team Might Try to Trade for a $37 Million Guard Reunion
One method the Lakers may certainly make up for any lack of edge they may have had in the early going of the 2023–24 NBA season is to acquire a former Laker. Although the Lakers rumour mill is still in its early stages in November, an executive has suggested that Los Angeles could be interested in Bulls guard Alex Caruso. Caruso helped the squad win the 2020 NBA title in the Orlando bubble.
An important reserve player for that squad, Alex Caruso signed a $37 million, four-year contract with the Bulls in 2021 after leaving the Lakers. Caruso averaged 5.9 points in 184 games while he was a member of the Lakers, so he’s not a big stats guy, but many in the organisation soon realised that it was a bad decision for him to leave.
One Eastern Conference executive told Heavy Sports, “The rumour was that the Lakers regretted letting him go almost immediately after it happened.” They were aware that was incorrect. Although he is no longer the same player, the Lakers are concerned that their advantage is insufficient. He might be able to assist in making that right.
Bulls Are Overappreciated Trade Market with Alex Caruso
Any Lakers rumour is, of course, fine in a vacuum, but for it to become true, it needs some assistance from the other side. There were rumours last year that the Bulls were looking for two first-round selections in exchange for Caruso. This led some to believe that the team was not interested in dealing Caruso at all, as nobody was willing to part with so much for a role player of his calibre.
The Bulls may need to be more realistic about Caruso’s worth this year because Chicago has struggled early in the season and may need to make some changes. They might want for a first-round pick, which would probably be too much for the Lakers to accept. However, there might be ways around that.
“If they wait until December 15, they could forfeit another contract and (Jalen) Hood-Schifino, but they wouldn’t forfeit a (first-round) pick. Alternatively, Max Christie has some worth, the executive stated. “They have young guys they can put up there, but they’re not giving up a pick.”
Without a choice they could control, the Bulls probably wouldn’t be interested in a deal predicated on Christie or Hood-Schifino. However, if Caruso’s market is generally underwhelming, the Lakers might be able to add him without using up any of their precious future assets.
There May Be Several Teams Associated with This Lakers Rumour
If there was a limited market on Caruso, that would be surprising. Despite his career total of 6.0 points on 43.0% shooting, he is a proven winner and a role player who can lead with hustle and defence. These are skills that are far more valuable.
Naturally, we’re still very much in the rumours about the Lakers stage of this. Chicago has not yet discussed transactions involving Caruso, and until December 15, when contracts signed this summer can be sold, nothing is likely to happen.
Naturally, it would be challenging for the Lakers to acquire Caruso in a crowded market. However, he is likely to be mentioned in Lakers rumours.
“The word “coveted” fits him well. The executive told Heavy Sports, “They could trade Alex Caruso if you want to make a trade tomorrow. Approximately 50% of the league’s teams would provide an offer. More teams than any other are keeping an eye on that scenario, and Caruso is the player they are most interested in seeing. It’s just a matter of time until the Bulls decide to let him go and make adjustments.