Two-time All-Defensive selection listed as ‘ambitious’ trade target for Hawks

The underlying aspect of trading one of the Atlanta Hawks’ stars is having to replace their production; either directly or with equal contributions in other areas. Whether it’s Trae Young or Dejounte Murray, the Hawks might have a hard time replacing them 1-for-1.

This is where finding a better complementary piece becomes even more important, and Bleacher Report’s Conor Hughes thinks Chicago Bulls star Alex Caruso could be a fit.

Caruso is coming off his second straight All-Defensive team honor last season.

“It is unclear which of the two guards is more likely to leave. If it’s Murray who ends up leaving via trade, Atlanta should focus on supporting Young with the best possible defensive running mate.
This looks like Alex Caruso, All-Defensive honoree in each of the last two seasons,” Hughes wrote on May 27.

“No guard who played at least 25 games last season posted a higher defensive plus/minus rating than Caruso, who is one of the few backcourt players whose impact comes close to that of the protective big man of paint generally more valuable His ability to disrupt the point of attack, blow up screening actions and force opposing ball carriers out of their spot can change the outcome of entire games.

Caruso went beyond the box scoring stats last season, posting career highs with 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game last season. He also tied his career high with 1.7 steals per game and 40.8% shooting from beyond the arc.

The former Los Angeles Lakers championship guard is entering the final year of a four-year contract worth $36.9 million.

There could, however, be several complications in a potential deal.

The first and most daunting obstacle could be the Bulls’ stance on Caruso, who has become a favorite of the organization and Bulls fans. There is even talk of the Bulls exploring a contract extension with Caruso.

This could push an already high asking price even higher, with the cost of a new transaction either attached or having to be built in.

Even if the Bulls agreed, bringing Caruso to Atlanta could still prove tricky.

The Hawks also lack contracts to match Caruso’s $9.8 million salary in 2024-25 in a trade. They have Onyeka Onkongwu who will make $14 million next season with Jalen Johnson just below him at $4.5 million.

The disparity between their salaries is only part of the problem, with Johnson and Okongwu both making the Hawks’ list of “untouchable” players at different times.

Chicago has more space.

However, a new contract for pending free agent DeMar DeRozan could take on a lot of that while their ownership is as luxury tax conscious as the Hawks’. These factors combine to make Caruso an ambitious goal.