Alex Caruso is coming off potentially the best season of his career and since his 2024-25 contract is only partially guaranteed, he could be in a new jersey next season.
This season, he posted a career-best field goal percentage (45.5), third-best three-point shooting percentage (36.4) and was named in the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
Since the Bulls failed to make the playoffs, Caruso may be traded away this summer if they decide to blow it up.
Someone who is a big fan of Caruso is new head coach at the Suns and former Lakers coach, Frank Vogel.
The two won a championship at the Lakers together in 2020 and at that time, Vogel said that Caruso was one of their best players.
“…He’s a player Vogel could covet because of his defense and shooting ability,” NBA analyst Evan Sidery said.
Another contender for the skilled defender is the Kings, who had no answer for Steph Curry in the first round of the playoffs.
29-year-old Caruso and his NBA experience could certainly help, according to NBA writer Mike Cruz.
“Sacramento could trade Richaun Holmes, who essentially wasn’t a part of the Kings rotation and maybe a few more draft assets to acquire the Bald Mamba,” Cruz wrote.
“…It’s absolutely impossible to contain an elite offensive maestro like Curry. But Caruso has shown in the past that he can disrupt and frustrate the Warriors superstar.”
Adding in more reliable defenders like Caruso into the roster would be a smart move for the Kings, so that players like De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk can focus more on offense.
If the Kings aren’t interested, perhaps the Warriors themselves could express interest for Caruso due to Steve Kerr’s fondness of him.
As the head coach of Team USA, Kerr told Caruso, “I would love to have you, man” in December, referencing the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
After February’s trade deadline, ESPN’s Zach Lowe confirmed that he knew “for sure” that the Warriors “really wanted” the guard.
Having a solid defender and back-up three-point shooter are two things Golden State are in need of, especially with the inconsistency of Jordan Poole.
A Steph Curry-Alex Caruso combination would be elite and he would instantly become a cult hero for the Dubs.
Read more: The Latest NBA Trade Rumors