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League executive believes Golden State Warriors could enter ‘win-now mode’ with Alex Caruso trade

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 02: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is fouled by Alex Caruso #6 of the Chicago Bulls at Chase Center on December 02, 2022 in San Francisco, 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 02: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is fouled by Alex Caruso #6 of the Chicago Bulls at Chase Center on December 02, 2022 in San Francisco, 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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With both presenting as two of the most disappointing teams to date this season, the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls are primed to be active players in trade discussions between now and the February 9 trade deadline.

However, the perspective on both teams appears to be at either end of the scale. The Warriors may sell their young talent to strengthen their championship core, while the Bulls might do the opposite given their attempt to load up on experience seems to be flatlining.

A league executive believes the Golden State Warriors could enter ‘win-now mode’ by trading James Wiseman for Chicago Bulls’ guard Alex Caruso.

According to a league executive speaking with Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney, Alex Caruso is a player that contending teams should be looking at over the next six weeks. That includes the Warriors, despite their disappointing 15-18 record.

"“If they can get some draft capital back for Caruso, and maybe a player, that would suit them. Teams like Phoenix or Miami, both would be in a position to make a trade like that. Even the Warriors, they could send out a young guy, a guy like (James) Wiseman to get into win-now mode.”"

Alex Caruso guarding Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry during his days with the Los Angeles Lakers. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Alex Caruso guarding Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry during his days with the Los Angeles Lakers. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

The bonus with Caruso, unlike many other potential trade targets who are on expiring deals, is the fact he’s contacted for a further two seasons. The 28-year-old is currently in the second-year of a four-year, $37 million contract, having left Los Angeles much to the disappointment of Laker fans.

He’s also the type of player that would fit perfectly at the Warriors, allowing the franchise to right the wrong of losing Gary Payton II in free agency during the offseason. Caruso is similarly known for his tenacious perimeter defense, and while he’s hardly a spectacular offensive player, his ball-handling capabilities would make him a little more versatile on that end than Payton was.

Golden State’s defense has taken a major leap back this season, including giving up 132 and 143 points in their last two outings against the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets respectively. Although their defensive issues run much deeper, Caruso would aid heavily in turning that aspect around.

Next. Is Golden State Warriors’ 15th roster spot a fait accompli?. dark

The idea of Caruso on the Warriors gained traction when he was seen talking to head coach Steve Kerr in the aftermath of the Bulls visit to Chase Center earlier this month. Wiseman and Caruso’s contracts match perfectly for a straight player swap, and it seems like a plausible scenario particularly if Chicago also move on starting center Nikola Vucevic.

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