Alex Caruso is one of the most sought-after names in the market, mainly due to his defensive tenacity. The Milwaukee Bucks can land him from the Chicago Bulls in an interesting trade idea that can pay off big time down the line.

Milwaukee Bucks, Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls
Jan 23, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) greets fans after the game against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Undrafted out of Texas A&M, the 6’5″ defensive-minded guard caught the attention of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 during the Summer League of that year and emerged as a valuable contributor off the bench.

Chicago Bulls, Alex CarusoOct 11, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) brings the ball up court against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
From there, Caruso’s hustle and defensive intensity earned him a spot in the Lakers’ lineup. His run wearing the Purple and Gold culminated in a championship-winning run in 2020, alongside All-Stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, the front office’s decision to let him walk in 2021 proved to be a boon for the Chicago Bulls, who quickly snapped up the Bald Mamba from Los Angeles.

Now in his third year with the Bulls, Caruso has continued to make his mark as a respected defensive specialist with a knack for spacing the floor by hitting shots from downtown. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged a solid 7.8 points on 38 percent shooting from deep, 3.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, showcasing his balanced skill set on both ends of the floor.

How Milwaukee Bucks Can Get Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso In Interesting Trade Proposal

Chicago Bulls, Alex CarusoOct 11, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) shoots against Milwaukee Bucks forward MarJon Beauchamp (0) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucks’ defense last season clearly disappointed after exchanging veteran guard Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard. Milwaukee’s front office can remedy that problem by trading for defensive ace Alex Caruso for big man Bobby Portis, MarJon Beauchamp, and their first round pick this year, as explained by Jackson Gross for Brew Hoop.

“Let’s say they can accomplish this before then and this trade does get done on July 1, it would provide an immediate upgrade for the Bucks’ biggest need: perimeter defense. In this trade, the Bulls send out the expiring contract of Alex Caruso for Bobby, MarJon Beauchamp, and no. 23 in this year’s draft,” Gross wrote.

“For the Bucks, it does sting to trade their only first-round pick until 2026, but Caruso is too valuable of a player to not garner a first-round pick in addition to the two other players. Caruso would instantly be the other starting guard next to Damian Lillard and would take the toughest guard assignment every night.

Caruso is also a reliable three-point shooter, shooting 40.8% on 4.7 attempts per game, and doesn’t need the ball in his hand, as 136 of his 172 made jump shots were assisted. In a vacuum, I think this trade makes sense for both sides, but my only qualm would be the idea of the Bucks and Bulls making a trade. It’s not unheard of for teams in the same division to make a trade, but I find this one to be a bit more difficult to see coming to fruition,” he added.

Although it would cost Milwaukee a significant chunk of their assets, including Portis and their remaining first round pick until 2026, the chance to bolster their defense should not be missed at all. In this case, Caruso brings a lot more to the table than all the assets they’re losing.
Atlanta Hawks, Dejounte Murray, Milwaukee BucksApr 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) defends Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) during the first quarter during a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
It remains to be seen whether Milwaukee pursues Caruso or not. In any case, the Bucks need to act quick if they want to make the most out of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s championship window.
Milwaukee Bucks, Alex CarusoApr 9, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (6) defends New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

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