Breaking news: Defensive specialist traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a massive trade proposal
Breaking news: Defensive specialist traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a massive trade proposal
This season’s Milwaukee Bucks defense hasn’t lived up to everyone’s expectations, in contrast to prior years. To help the squad out of that situation, the front staff is expected to pursue Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso.
Caruso was not selected by a team in the 2016 draft. The 6’5″ guard signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 after trying out for the NBA Development League team Oklahoma City Blue and the Summer League team Philadelphia 76ers.
After that, Caruso gave the Lakers a lot of impressions by playing tough defense and gradually developing his offensive game. LeBron James’ fourth ring came from Los Angeles’ 2020 championship run within the Bubble, which marked the pinnacle of his career. Over the course of the postseason run, Caruso averaged 2.1 steals, 2.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 6.5 points.
Caruso joined the Chicago Bulls in 2021 following his time as a Laker, and he has been with them ever since. This season, the defensive specialist upped his scoring output, averaging 10.1 points on 40% shooting from outside the arc, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and one block per game.
Alex Caruso is expected to be pursued by the Milwaukee Bucks throughout the offseason.
Undoubtedly, the Bucks’ defense has underperformed throughout the season since Damian Lillard, an All-Star point guard, was acquired in exchange for Jrue Holiday by the front office. That issue still hasn’t been fixed, not even with the addition of Doc Rivers and Patrick Beverley. As stated in a piece by Dalton Sell for Behind the Buck Pass, trading for Caruso is one possible remedy.
The former All-Defensive team member’s tenacious defense and hustle have allowed him to earn a life in the association. Standing at six feet five, he is an adaptable guard who can take on players of all sizes and shapes and never backs down from a battle. Damian Lillard’s life would be much easier with a two-guard like that next to him, freeing him up to concentrate more on his offensive production.
Despite his strength being defense, Caruso can also score points. He actually just finished his greatest scoring season, averaging a career-high 10.1 points and 1.9 3-pointers made per game. Alongside Milwaukee’s other important players on that side of the court, he would blend in perfectly as an outside shooter and competent ball handler, according to Sell.
The Bucks now have two picks in the upcoming draft in addition to a roster that includes both young and veteran players like Andre Jackson Jr., Bobby Portis, and MarJon Beauchamp. In order to acquire Caruso from the Bulls in the offseason, the front office might package these assets.
