Trade proposal shows Bulls may have waited too long on Alex Caruso

The Chicago Bulls decided to chase mediocrity this season instead of cashing in some of their top trade assets, a decision they may regret. 

One of those players was Alex Caruso, a premier 3-and-D guard whose first-team All-Defense on the perimeter and 40 percent 3-point shooting reportedly interested teams like the Warriors at the deadline. The Bulls were after a high ceiling young player or multiple draft picks, but ultimately decided to hold onto Caruso. 

Now he’ll be entering the final year of his deal, which won’t necessarily hurt his value, but according to a recent trade proposal, the Bulls may have to settle for less than their dream deal. 

Bleacher Report proposed a deal in which the Bulls send Caruso to the LA Clippers in exchange for PJ Tucker, a 2030 pick swap and a top-five protected pick in 2031. 

This will hardly excite Bulls’ fans, as the assets won’t come for another seven years, and who knows where either team will be at that time. 

If this represents the type of offer the Chicago Bulls can expect, then they might be better off just keeping Caruso. 

Should the Chicago Bulls re-sign Alex Caruso or trade him?

Caruso is only due $9.8 million next season, a bargain for an All-Defensive player who provides accurate 3-point shooting. 

Every team in the league needs the skills he provides, and at age 30, Caruso should still have a good few years left in the tank. Whether the Bulls decide to reload or rebuild, Caruso can play a part, either as a valuable role player on a team pushing for the playoffs, or as a veteran complement to Coby White and the other young players they bring on board. 

The question is cost. As good as Caruso is, he’s about to get a substantial raise from someone after next season, and if he plans on testing free agency, there is no guarantee the Bulls will be high atop his list of teams. He could chase big money from a team with more cap space or join a team closer to winning a championship. 

There is an argument for cashing in on Caruso now, getting the best deal possible and moving on, but on a reasonable deal, he’s still a valuable player. What they can’t do is wait again and risk losing him for nothing as has happened with DeMar DeRozan. 

The Bulls have to be proactive one way or another when it comes to Caruso.