If you’re a fan of Alex Caruso or Patrick Williams, you should be pleased with this report. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Chicago Bulls have not made Caruso or Williams available for trade.
When Scotto spoke to a league official, the official expressed his opinion that the Bulls had kept Williams around for an excessive amount of time. they have “devalued” him, they say. It makes sense, really. The 21-year-old Florida State student generated a lot of buzz. The Bulls noticed a defender who had glimpses of being a two-way player. That hasn’t taken place.
Williams hasn’t improved since he entered the league. His numbers are pretty much the same outside of free-throw percentage. However, he is statically the team’s best three-point shooter. He shoots 41% on 3.5 attempts currently. The former fourth overall pick is averaging 9.8PPG (career-high), 4.1RPG, and 1.3APG. He is shooting 45% from the field.
There is no telling at this point if he is going to make the leap that Arturas Karnisovas or Marc Eversley thinks he can. It was rumored last season that the Bulls inquired about then-Detroit Piston Jermai Grant. Though, the Pistons wanted Williams in any trade scenario and the Bulls were unwilling to add him to a package. Grant was then moved to the Portland Trailblazers where he is once again having a very effective season.
While Scotto was talking to the league executive, the executive said Caruso could get back a solid return. This one would sting me a little, I’m just being honest. I am a huge Alex Caruso fan. He just embodies Chicago basketball. The guy puts his body on the line and plays hellacious defense. He would be an asset to any contender that could acquire him.
Sure, the numbers aren’t sexy, but the dude comes up big in massive moments. Caruso on the season is averaging 5.3PPG, 3.4APG, 2.7RPG, and 1.5SPG. He usually closes games out and is tasked to guard the opposing teams best wing.
I don’t know what the right route is to go. I’m on record on the Bulls On Tap podcast that I would blow this team up because I cannot really see them battling for a championship. This team is currently 19-23 and sitting in 10th place in the Eastern Conference.
If the trade return isn’t beneficial, I get it. But the fact they aren’t on the block at all when this team needs an obvious shake is just maddening. The NBA Trade Deadline is Thursday, February 9th. The Bulls have 12 games left until it arrives. Maybe things will change from now until then. Though, I won’t hold my breath.
Source: yardbarker.com
