5 Trades to fill the Phoenix Suns’ biggest hole
By Tyler Watts
1. Suns go all-in as Bulls rebuild
The Bulls missed the playoffs last year and are 4-6 to begin this season. Their Big 3 is just not good enough and other teams are already circling in hopes of being first in line if Chicago blows things up. DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine will generate all the buzz, but Alex Caruso may be the most impactful option for a contender.
The 6’5 guard was first-team All-Defense last season but played only 23.5 minutes per game. How much is a team willing to give up for a role player who likely maxes out at 25 minutes each night? Matisse Thybulle, who was two-time second-team All-Defense, netted a young talent and two second-round picks. The Bulls will want a first for Caruso but may have to settle for a handful of second-rounders.
The Suns would be willing to offer all five available for Alex Caruso. His perimeter defense, shooting, and secondary ball-handling are just what Phoenix needs, especially if they plan on going small in the playoffs. Putting Caruso’s defense on the floor could be the difference in a tight game.
The Phoenix Suns still have work to do to win a championship in 2024. They took a massive swing on Bradley Beal in the offseason and should be all-in. Expect the Suns to explore moving those five second-round draft picks before the deadline for some added depth. Will they find a difference-maker? That is certainly the hope.