3. Sixers acquire one of the hottest names in the rumor mill
The Chicago Bulls are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and players are already popping up in the rumor mill. Two-time All-Star Zach LaVine takes the headlines, but the Bulls have several players who could make a difference in the title race.
Every contender wants Alex Caruso. The 6’5 guard was first-team All-Defense last season and is a career 37.4 percent 3-point shooter. He can handle the ball and make some plays too. Caruso would fit beautifully next to Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt and make the Sixers even better, but Philly will have to pay a hefty price because so many teams are interested.
Caruso has his limitations. He has a lengthy injury history and averages just 21.4 minutes per game for his career. The 29-year-old is a role player, but a key cog on a playoff team. He helps his team win and is never afraid to do the dirty work.
The Sixers inked Paul Reed to a three-year deal in the offseason, but he has barely played. Chicago does this trade for the first-round pick plus two second-rounders. Is that enough for Alex Caruso? It depends on how crazy the bidding gets among contenders as the Feb. 8 trade deadline approaches.