3 Indiana Pacers trade targets to fix this season’s biggest problem
By Jack Simone
2. Alex Caruso
The Chicago Bulls have been one of the most disappointing teams in the league this year, meaning they could be primed to blow up their roster sooner rather than later.
Alex Caruso has been one of the few bright spots for Chicago this year, but that also means he’s one of their best trade chips. And the Indiana Pacers should come calling.
The fit isn’t perfect, as the Pacers already have a ton of talented guards on the roster, but Caruso’s defensive excellence allows him to play multiple positions.
Caruso could step in as a member of Indiana’s starting lineup or come off the bench, and no matter what, he would fit in seamlessly, drastically improving the Pacers’ defense along the way.
A lineup of Tyrese Haliburton, Caruso, Bruce Brown, Aaron Nesmith, and Myles Turner would be a bit small, but it could wreak havoc on the defensive side of the ball.
In addition, Caruso is having the most productive offensive season of his career. He’s averaging 9.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 56.7% from the field and 48.0% from beyond the three-point arc.
His improved shooting from deep solidify him as a solid offensive fit next to Haliburton, too, meaning his defensive impact wouldn’t be limited by a lackluster offensive game.
The small-ball lineup including Caruso could quickly turn into one of the best lineups in the league, so if he becomes available, the Pacers should seriously consider inquiring about Caruso.