© Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The report says the Chicago Bulls will control the trade market this season
Not a day goes by without a new rumor involving the Chicago Bulls pops up. Whether it’s disgruntled wingman Zach LaVine, soon-to-be free agent DeMar DeRozan, or do-it-all guard Alex Caruso, one thing is certain: the Bulls have positioned themselves to be a major player in the trade market this season.
What direction are the Bulls taking?
This seems to be the recurring question on most fans and experts’ minds. The front office’s move to bring the core from last season’s underachieving team back has seemingly painted the Bulls into a corner. And according to CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn, the team’s lack of direction may inadvertently dictate how the trade market will go this season.
“Chicago's dedication to directionless is going to throw a real wrench into this trade market, because the Bulls have the players to satisfy almost any sort of trade partner,” Quinn wrote.
Caruso has emerged as the preferred trade target on the Bulls' roster, surpassing even their two prolific wingmen.
“Everyone wants Alex Caruso. He might be the best guard defender in the NBA and he's not even earning eight figures. Any contender can match money in a trade for him. If his shooting holds up, he can fit on any offense. Even if it doesn't, he's a deceptively valuable screener and connector that amplifies high-IQ players on offense. There's a reason LeBron James loved playing with him,” Quinn added.
Lots of gettable players
Apart from the established stars, the Bulls’ role players may also be attractive to teams in need of a boost. From Jevon Carter to Andre Drummond, these players could prove valuable under the right circumstances.
“Jevon Carter can be someone's discount-bin Caruso. The Bucks would absolutely love to have him back,” Quinn said of Carter, who relinquished his backup role in Milwaukee to do far less in Chicago.
“Enough contenders need a backup center for someone to give up a couple of second-rounders for Andre Drummond,” Quinn added. “There's enough here to kickstart a modest rebuild. More likely, the Bulls just slash payroll and try to trot out another 10-seed, but perhaps the right offers could show them the light.”
