According to Kevin O’Connor from The Ringer, the Bulls and Warriors should consider trading Alex Caruso for James Wiseman after Steve Kerr openly admitted he wants Alex Caruso on the Warriors. The Chicago Bulls have been on both ends of the spectrum in the rumor mill, from going all-in for Kevin Durant to fully tanking by trading away DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. Trading away Alex Caruso for James Wiseman falls right in the middle of that spectrum.
Why This Trade Makes A Lot Of Sense
As much as Alex Caruso is a fan favorite in Chicago, his impact on the floor doesn’t magically change this mediocre team into a Finals contending team. Caruso is an excellent piece on a championship-caliber team, but the Bulls are far from that. Instead, the Bulls could roll the dice on the former second-overall pick: James Wiseman, who was once compared to Chris Bosh. James Wiseman is not a bust by any stretch of the imagination. Instead, he’s been playing behind more experienced players like Draymond Green and Kevon Looney for meaningful games. Wiseman, age 21, is a 7-footer with a tremendous defensive feel to the game to go along with a beautiful jumper. With the Bulls’ backcourt already crowded before Lonzo Ball’s return, Ayo Dosunmu can take an even more significant leadership role on the defensive end with Caruso gone.
For the Warriors, they seem to be in winnow mode. After capturing their 4th NBA championship in the past seven years, they could be pushing all of their chips in for one last title run. After a slow start with a 12-11 record a quarter into the season, adding Caruso could give them a much-needed boost on the defensive end.
Bulls Have Unrealistic Expectations
Currently, the Chicago Bulls are waiting for Lonzo Ball to get healthy to see if he could provide a spark to this team. The Bulls would be lucky to make the play-in tournament as currently constructed. With big names and contracts on the books, Arturas Karnisovas must decide either to blow the entire roster up and commit to a rebuild or go all-in for a superstar like Kevin Durant. As talented as Lonzo Ball is, he’s not a magician. There are a lot of problems with this roster that Lonzo Ball can not address even when he’s healthy. Trading for James Wiseman helps with the interior defensive issues right now but also helps the Bulls attain an asset for a potential rebuild.
I would make the trade in the heartbeat along with trading Vuc and Derozan. Possibly Lavine if someone is willing to take contract off the Bulls hands. Wiseman gives the Bulls a true center to build around to go with Williams, Terry and Dosunmu. Whatever drafts picks they can pick. Use the draft to truly build a contender. Look at what Billy did at OKC and that young team. Vuc is power forward if that.
Yes make the trade. Yes fine Kerr
N
Wiseman would work in Chicago
Kerr should be fined for tampering and no the Bulls should NOT trade Caruso.