Bulls' asking price for Alex Caruso isn't as unrealistic as it sounds
Alex Caruso is arguably the most tradeable asset within the Chicago Bulls roster. His reputation for being a "winning player" and his defensive versatility make him a logical trade target for most contending teams in the league. Therefore, the Bulls were smart to slap what they perceived to be a hefty price tag on Caruso's head.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, via the "Woj Pod" podcast, the Bulls are looking for an "OG Anunoby-type deal" in order to prise Caruso away from the Windy City.
"If they're going to trade Alex Caruso, they want a lot for him," Wojnarowski said. "Like an OG Anunoby-type deal is what's been described to me. And I think he fits anywhere. There is no shortage of teams who would love to get Alex Caruso. That guy impacts winning. But the Bulls know that, and the Bulls aren't trying to be really bad."
On the surface, an Anunoby-type deal sounds like a high asking price for Caruso. However, when you look at it, the Toronto Raptors got an expiring Immanuel Quickley (limited value due to contract situation) and RJ Barrett (inconsistent development likely had a cap on his trade value.) And, some draft assets were included, too. As such, Toronto has two young players who come with their own set of headaches.
Multiple teams around the NBA have high-upside young talents that aren't working out in their current situation. Most contending teams would be happy to part with that sort of talent in return for a sure thing like Caruso.
Furthermore, Caruso has one more year left on his current contract. However, that final year is only partially guaranteed. As such, any team that moves to acquire him via trade will have a tough decision on its hands when it comes to re-signing him. That could change a franchise's willingness to part with multiple younger talents and some second-round draft considerations.
Winning is always the primary goal in the NBA, though. Caruso could help a team achieve that goal or at least push them further forward. Chicago may feel like it has set the bar high in potential Caruso talks. Yet, in reality, it had named a reasonable price that some teams in the league would likely be willing to meet.
Even if Caruso remains with the Bulls beyond the Feb. 8 trade deadline, there will likely be significant trade interest in the summer. It will be interesting to see how hard the Bulls fight to keep their veteran guard moving forward.
More must-reads: