Chicago Bulls Rumors: Alex Caruso believed to be untouchable

With it seeming inevitable that the Chicago Bulls will be trading Zach LaVine before the NBA Trade Deadline in February, it has sparked speculation that LaVine’s trade would signal a rebuild for the Bulls.

If the Bulls do rebuild, it is no secret that teams would come calling on point guard Alex Caruso. Caruso has become an invaluable member of the Bulls’ second unit and a contending team would likely have interest in him doing the same for them.

As they did last season at the NBA Trade Deadline but the Bulls deemed Caruso untouchable. It would seem that Caruso still falls within the untouchable category for the Bulls as the team is not expected to trade the veteran guard according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

"The Bulls were approached by a handful of teams at last February’s trade deadline about Caruso and deemed him all but untouchable. That held up in the offseason as well.He is fresh off being named first-team All-Defense, he’s only $9.4 million against the cap this season and $9.9 million next season, and in the eyes of the organization he “is the culture.’’-Chicago Sun-Times"

The Bulls’ unwillingness to move Caruso suggests that the team believes they can avoid a rebuild. It would also speak to the notion that the idea of the LaVine is more about LaVine wanting to be traded as opposed to the Bulls looking to rebuild.

For as much as Caruso has become a fan favorite and an important member of the Bulls’ roster, now is the exact time for the Bulls to make him available.

Caruso is going to be a valuable trade target for any team looking for improved defensive play and it would seem unlikely that the Bulls will be able to return to contention within the rest of his contract with the Bulls. Caruso is a free agent after the 2024-2025 season and unless things drastically change for Bulls, it would seem unlikely that he will appear in another playoff series with the team.