The NBA’s Eastern Conference is especially tough this season. The Philadelphia 76ers are only ranked fifth despite having a core (although injured at times) of Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey.
One team that is struggling in the East is the Chicago Bulls, who despite making win-now moves just two offseasons ago are ranked 11th in the conference. If the Bulls’ struggles continue, they could decide to become sellers in the trade market.
The Philadelphia 76ers should target Alex Caruso as a trade candidate if the Chicago Bulls enter a rebuild.
If that does happen, then guard Alex Caruso should be on the Sixers’ radar. Caruso began his career in the G-League and turned himself into an NBA champion rotation player as a 3-and-D guard. He’s one of the better ones in the league at that position.
Caruso won’t give the 76ers much playmaking or volume scoring, but he’s a professional pest just like former Philly guard T.J. McConnell and unlike McConnell, he can shoot the outside shot. This season, he’s averaged 5.3 points and 1.6 steals, while shooting 37.3 percent on 3-pointers.
If he becomes available, the 76ers could offer an interesting package for the guard.
The Sixers get to upgrade their bench in this hypothetical trade. While Shake Milton has played well this year, Caruso makes the 76ers second unit even better. It would open up another roster spot to add a free agent or more room for another trade.
The Bulls get Matisse Thybulle, who is a player they were rumored to be interested in the offseason. They will value Thybulle more than other teams based on that fact in this fake deal. They also get a young sharpshooter in Furkan Korkmaz which they desperately need. Getting a second round pick is also another bonus.
What are your thoughts on the potential trade above? Comment below if you believe this is a fair deal for the Philadelphia 76ers.