NBA insider Marc Stein recently disclosed that the Chicago Bulls were on the brink of trading Alex Caruso to the Golden State Warriors, marking a significant shift from their earlier stance of reluctance towards such a move.
Despite weeks of affirming their intent to retain Caruso, the Bulls seriously contemplated trading him. However, negotiations with the Golden State Warriors ultimately faltered.
According to a league source speaking to Hoops Wire, the Bulls’ proposal to acquire Jonathan Kuminga from the Warriors proved to be the stumbling block that led to the cessation of trade discussions.
Caruso has been an integral part of the Bulls’ lineup this season, showcasing his defensive prowess while averaging 9.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks. He boasts impressive shooting percentages of 48.2% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc, and 78.1% from the free-throw line.
On the other hand, Kuminga, an emerging talent in the league, has been making waves with averages of 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.4 blocks. He has showcased his potential with shooting percentages of 53.4% overall, 31.7% from 3-point range, and 72.6% from the foul line.
Caruso, who is earning $9.5 million this season with a partially guaranteed salary for the next season, signed a four-year, $37 million contract with the Bulls in August 2021.
Currently, the Bulls hold the ninth position in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 26-29 and opted to stay inactive during the trade deadline.
As for the Warriors, they sit in the tenth spot in the Western Conference with a record of 27-26. Their lone move at the trade deadline involved trading Cory Joseph to the Indiana Pacers for a second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Caruso, with career averages of 6.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.5 blocks, has been a valuable contributor for both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Bulls. Notably, he played a crucial role in the Lakers’ 2020 NBA title victory over the Miami Heat in the Walt Disney World bubble.
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