Chicago Bulls basketball is personified by Alex Caruso. His reckless play style, lock-down defense, and ability to hit the big shot in crucial moments to light up the United Center make him an energy magnet for any spectator. Bulls executives Marc Eversley and Arturas Karnisovas are unwilling to trade Caruso because they recognize his value.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that the Bulls are blocking trade requests involving the guard, who is 29 years old.
But with one of the best defenders in the NBA and one of the friendliest contracts, why aren’t they taking calls? That’s because they’re trying to sell fool’s gold.
Karnisovas and Eversley are aware that a thorough restoration will require a substantial investment of time and energy. Considering their history of “continuity” and the Bulls’ past resistance to rebuilding, it doesn’t appear that a total dismantling is in the cards.
“Well, Buzz, that’s one hell of an accusation!” You’re absolutely correct.
Caruso is a skilled athlete. Because of his play style and effort level, he’s not a player a team can count on for the full 82 games, though. He can occasionally steal a victory from you, but he cannot lead you to the promised land.
In any case, his versatility and perseverance make him extremely valuable, and the Bulls would be smart to trade him for a pair of future draft picks and a young, talented player to aid in the team’s development.
Another instance of the Bulls attempting to postpone the inevitable and present fans with a subpar “competing” team is the reluctance of Karnisovas and Eversley to trade Alex Caruso.
It’s Chicago here. Champions are what fans expect and want. It’s past time for the Bulls to assemble a squad capable of going all-out in the NBA Playoffs and winning everything.
The NBA is a business, and in order to succeed, you have to move things. Shouldn’t the Bulls management be looking to profit from Caruso’s trade, given that Zach LaVine is reportedly without a market?
The Bulls are sending out a message that they would prefer lose to lose in the play-in game or the opening round of the playoffs than to fight for a real championship if they won’t take calls on Caruso.
There’s one thing that never changes: the Bulls are still a dumpster fire. It’s not Marc Eversley, Gar Forman, John Paxson, or Arturas Karnisovas. Jerry Reinsdorf is here. Since deeds speak louder than words, the Bulls’ operations suggest that maintaining competitiveness and dangling a carrot for supporters to bite off is the organization’s main objective.
Indeed, the Bulls have won their last four games. But do people in the league truly think of them as a serious contender? When the playoffs roll around, talk to me and we’ll see if anyone truly believes they pose a threat. (The response will still be “no.”)
Rebuild after moving as many players for as much value as you can. I appreciate you attending my “Buzz Talk.”
