Grade the trade: Lakers bring back Alex Caruso is new proposal
By Jason Reed
Los Angeles Lakers grade for this Alex Caruso trade: A+
The Los Angeles Lakers do not have to make a superstar trade in order to capitalize on the championship window this season. There is a chance that the Lakers could try and swing big for a star but in reality, the Lakers should move around the edges.
It already seems clear that the team will shop D’Angelo Russell in some capacity. In a perfect world, the Lakers could flip Russell for some more frontcourt talent (maybe Myles Turner if he is being shopped again) and then make a trade like this to add depth back to the backcourt.
Caruso would pick up right where he left off in LA and would prove to be a valuable piece of the playoff rotation. His elite defense is extremely valuable and there is a real chance he could be in the closing lineup with Austin Reaves if this were to happen.
Not only does it make sense from a basketball standpoint but it would be great for the fanbase as well.
Chicago Bulls grade for this Alex Caruso trade: B-
The fact of the matter is that the Chicago Bulls would try and get more for Caruso if the team were to shop him. There are no guarantees that Chicago would get a better deal, hence why this is possible, but it certainly isn’t the best trade the Bulls could get.
But it all comes down to what the Bulls value. Would the team rather get a near-lottery pick that has a lot of potential in JHS and instantly start to develop him? Or would the team rather get a first-round pick from a contender who is going to end up being the 26th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft?
The better option seems to be the former. It might not be exactly what Bulls fans would expect in a Caruso trade but it very well could be the best value out there.