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The Golden State Warriors had interest in Lakers’ Alex Caruso

By Nathan Beighle

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 4: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket against the Golden State Warriors on April 4, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 4: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket against the Golden State Warriors on April 4, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors, prior to him re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, reportedly had interest in third-year guard Alex Caruso.

There’s no denying that the Golden State Warriors offseason didn’t go exactly as planned. There were, however, several predictable yet notable transactions that happened. Klay Thompson was re-signed. Draymond Green was extended.

The splash addition was D’Angelo Russell, who was brought on via a sign-and-trade. Given a four-year max, Russell was exchanged for a first-round pick and Kevin Durant. He wasn’t the only young guard that the Warriors sought after though.

After signing the three draftees to their rookie deals and a handful of other players to go along with their four max-contract players, the Warriors needed cheap and capable options to fill out their roster.

The LA Lakers’ Alex Caruso, who exploded onto the scene this past season, a target for the Warriors. Per a report from Bleacher Report’s Leo Sepkowitz, Caruso drew interest from the first team since Bill Russell’s Celtics to manage five straight Finals appearances.

"This summer, Caruso hit restricted free agency, granting him negotiating power for the first time in his pro career. About a dozen teams showed interest in him, including the Warriors and Grizzlies, but he chose to wait as the Lakers maneuvered the cap and the Kawhi Leonard sweepstakes. Caruso followed along closely—where else?—on Twitter."

Caruso is impressive. He stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 185 pounds. His highlight reels are shockingly awing. He can bounce out of the gym and has a solid basketball IQ, forcing the Lakers to pay him more than just a minimum-value contract to retain him as he hit the restricted free agency market.

This offseason, they did just that. They retained the guard that averaged a career-high 9.2 points per game. What’s even more impressive is the 48% that Caruso shot from downtown this past season.

The Warriors certainly could’ve used Caruso this upcoming season. He’s going to be a solid weapon, and after seeing him first make a name for himself in the Summer League, it’s clear Caruso should have a long-term career in the NBA.

Next. Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history. dark

The 25-year-old will be a Laker for the next two seasons after signing a contract worth $5.5 million.

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