Bulls Came Close To Trading Alex Caruso To Warriors

The Bulls wound up giving real consideration to trading Caruso after insisting for weeks that they wouldn’t.

However, Chicago’s talks with Golden State ultimately collapsed.

A league source told Hoops Wire that the Bulls asked the Warriors for Jonathan Kuminga and that’s what caused Golden State to end trade talks. 

Caruso is averaging 9.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.2 blocks this season while shooting 48.2% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc and 78.1% from the free-throw line. He’s one of the best defenders in the NBA. 

Meanwhile, Kuminga is averaging 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks while shooting 53.4% overall, 31.7% from 3 and 72.6% from the foul line. He’s an emerging star in the league. 

Caruso is making $9.5 million this season. His salary for next season is partially guaranteed. The Bulls signed Caruso to a four-year, $37 million contract in August 2021. 

The Bulls are in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 26-29. They made zero moves at the trade deadline. 

The Warriors, meanwhile, are in 10th place in the Western Conference standings with a record of 27-26. They traded Cory Joseph to the Indiana Pacers for a second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft at the deadline.

Caruso has career averages of 6.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.5 blocks with the Los Angeles Lakers and Bulls. He helped the Lakers win the 2020 title over the Miami Heat at the Walt Disney World bubble. 

Multiple sources told Hoops Wire that the Lakers were seriously interested in acquiring Caruso. However, the Bulls had zero interest in any LAL players since Austin Reaves, LeBron James and Anthony Davis were untouchable.