NEWSLETTER
As if we didn’t need more evidence, another report has outlined how the Chicago Bulls dropped the ball at the trade deadline.
Long-time NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed that Arturas Karnisovas and Co. “wound up giving real consideration” to trading Alex Caruso to the Golden State Warriors. All indications were that the team had previously rebuffed offers, but Stein is now the third to confirm that the Bulls entertained discussions once the deadline crept closer.
Indeed, both The Athletic’s Shams Charania and NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson connected Caruso to the Warriors right around the deadline. Johnson shared that the Bulls even asked about emerging star Jonathan Kuminga. Initially, I assumed this unrealistic asking price played a significant role in the deal failing to come to fruition. But I will say that Stein’s use of the words “real consideration” has me hopeful that the Bulls actually tried to do some business.
I also now have to wonder if these are the kinds of conversations that can pick back up in the offseason. Remember, the Warriors do have multiple young assets that the Bulls SHOULD be willing to consider. Brandin Podziemski (20), Moses Moody (21), and Trayce Jackson-Davis (23) have each shown flashes during their time with Golden State. Whether it be two of those players or one coupled with a future first-round pick, the Bulls would have quite an appealing proposal this offseason, especially with Caruso on an expiring deal.
Of course, an easy argument can be made that this offer isn’t going to be on the table in the coming months. Golden State would have Caruso under contract for less time before he’s up for a new hefty payday. The offseason also opens to door for far more opportunities to seek out other changes. In other words, the pressure of the deadline was going to help the Bulls get maximum value, so there is a VERY good chance they blew this one.
Still, the Warriors’ goal of being a title contender isn’t going away any time soon. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green remain under contract for the foreseeable future, and both are playing at a high level this season. New front office face Mike Dunleavy Jr. will have to remain aggressive in his pursuit to add talent around this core. And even if Caruso is only under contract for one more year, there is no denying his $9.9 million deal will still be a tremendous steal for an organization with a jam-packed cap sheet.
Not to mention, the Bulls might have no choice but to succumb to the public pressure and pursue drastic change this offseason. The team remains 9th in the Eastern Conference with very slim chances of cracking the postseason. I know that this front office has been the most stubborn in the league, but the fact they even gave this Caruso trade “real consideration” could tell us they are closer to accepting reality.
