NBA insider says Golden State Warriors wanted to trade for Chicago Bulls' Alex Caruso

For whatever it's worth, the Chicago Bulls came away from the hectic trade deadline last week without a scratch. Although they listened to multiple offers and pitches from other teams, the front office led by Arturas Karnisovas ultimately decided to stay put.

However, some teams had legitimate intentions of acquiring players from the Bulls, and one of them even had Alex Caruso in their sights. That team was the reigning NBA champions Golden State Warriors.

According to NBA insider Zach Lowe, the Warriors tried to get trade talks for Caruso going, but that ultimately fizzled out.

Beef up their defense

One thing the Warriors have struggled with this season is their defense. It made perfect sense to add Caruso—a ball-hawking guard with a knack for making winning plays that do not appear on the stat sheet.

According to Lowe, the Warriors "for sure" wanted Caruso but could not muster an offer enticing enough for the Bulls to bite.

Instead, the Warriors settled on re-acquiring Gary Payton II from the Portland Trail Blazers. The son of NBA legend Gary Payton played a pivotal part of Golden State's title run last season, providing a defensive spark off the bench. He will have plenty of opportunities to make an impact for the Warriors yet again this season. However, his exact return to action remains uncertain as Payton is recovering from a core injury.

Bulls keeping faith in themselves

Karnisovas explained that the Bulls did not want to make a move just for the sake of making one. Despite the obvious struggles Chicago is going through this season, the Bulls stood pat and will have to make do with the players they have.

With Caruso now firmly in the Bulls' plans for the rest of the season, it's up to him and his teammates to make sure they do not experience any more slippage. Whether or not they will be able to do so is a question that the rest of the regular season will answer. But one thing is certain: Golden State wanted him and was willing to pay a hefty price.

Another great find by AC 👀@ACFresh21 | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/rbSHmiQoOg
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 16, 2023