We’re now past December 15th, when recently signed free agents are eligible for trade, and teams are getting ready to negotiate. As we get closer and closer to trade season, here are three players who could be on the move sooner rather than later, and examples of what trades involving these players might look like.
3) Alex Caruso
The Bulls are approaching trade season as sellers as they hold a 10-17 record, placing them at 12th in the Eastern Conference. Although Zach Lavine and Demar DeRozan have been brought up in rumors, a role player like Caruso is much more likely to be traded in December, when stakes are lower.
While an offer of this caliber is likely an overpay for Caruso, who is a good player but not anything more than a role player, the market for the Bulls’ guard is surprisingly high. Contending teams likely view his elite defense and winning instincts as potential keys to a playoff run, a reasonable viewpoint as he contributed just that to the 2020 Lakers title run.
The Bulls would be foolish not to take advantage of Caruso’s value and flip him to the 76ers, who would likely be willing to give up valuable draft capital in pursuit of a title this season.