The two Bulls generating the most November trade curiosity from rival teams?
The answer is another hint that it’s very early in this Trade Watch. Rather than LaVine or free agent-to-be DeMar DeRozan or the recently re-signed Nikola Vucevic, it’s … 1. Alex Caruso … who as we’ve previously noted would have a double-digit list of trade suitors if the Bulls decided to make him available (which they haven’t). 2. Patrick Williams … who still intrigues various teams despite his extremely underwhelming start to the season after the former No. 4 overall pick and the Bulls did not come to terms on a contract extension before the Oct. 23 deadline for Class of 2020 first-round picks.
Source: Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com
Source: Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
NBA officiating report says DeMar DeRozan’s go-ahead jumper vs. Heat on Saturday also should have been an and-one opportunity, with uncalled foul on Jaime Jaquez Jr. But report also cites uncalled Bulls foul by Caruso on Butler shot earlier, at 94-94. – 4:46 PM
NBA officiating report says DeMar DeRozan’s go-ahead jumper vs. Heat on Saturday also should have been an and-one opportunity, with uncalled foul on Jaime Jaquez Jr. But report also cites uncalled Bulls foul by Caruso on Butler shot earlier, at 94-94. – 4:46 PM
Mike Beuoy @inpredict
An early look at the NBA clutch player of the year leaderboard.
Alex Caruso with a commanding lead so far. Just as we all expected. pic.twitter.com/MmKHgViqLh – 1:18 PM
An early look at the NBA clutch player of the year leaderboard.
Alex Caruso with a commanding lead so far. Just as we all expected. pic.twitter.com/MmKHgViqLh – 1:18 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Alex Caruso is in the bottom 10 percentile in usage amongst guards this season and yet he has 3-4 shots to tie or give the Bulls the lead in the final minute of regulation already this season lol. – 10:38 AM
Alex Caruso is in the bottom 10 percentile in usage amongst guards this season and yet he has 3-4 shots to tie or give the Bulls the lead in the final minute of regulation already this season lol. – 10:38 AM
Josh Martin @Bulls_Wire
Chicago Bulls Injury Report vs. Magic: DeMar DeRozan QUESTIONABLE, Alex Caruso PROBABLE bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/11/17/chi… pic.twitter.com/UPkr0DtEnn – 4:00 AM
Chicago Bulls Injury Report vs. Magic: DeMar DeRozan QUESTIONABLE, Alex Caruso PROBABLE bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/11/17/chi… pic.twitter.com/UPkr0DtEnn – 4:00 AM
Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Final: Bulls 102, Heat 97
Massive comeback win by the Bulls after staring at a 22-1 deficit in the first seven minutes. Chicago snaps a three/game skid and moves to 5-9.
Fantastic finish by Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan to close on an 11-3 run. – 10:29 PM
Final: Bulls 102, Heat 97
Massive comeback win by the Bulls after staring at a 22-1 deficit in the first seven minutes. Chicago snaps a three/game skid and moves to 5-9.
Fantastic finish by Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan to close on an 11-3 run. – 10:29 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
That’s a win, folks.
Bulls snap out of that three-game losing skid with a 102-97 win over the Miami Heat.
Huge efforts from DeRozan, LaVine and Caruso in the fourth as the Bulls come back from a 21-point deficit while taking a season-high 45 attempts from 3-point range. – 10:28 PM
That’s a win, folks.
Bulls snap out of that three-game losing skid with a 102-97 win over the Miami Heat.
Huge efforts from DeRozan, LaVine and Caruso in the fourth as the Bulls come back from a 21-point deficit while taking a season-high 45 attempts from 3-point range. – 10:28 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
The one positive so far this season? Alex Caruso and the work he put into his game in the offseason … the guard talks long ball.
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2023/11/… – 9:29 PM
The one positive so far this season? Alex Caruso and the work he put into his game in the offseason … the guard talks long ball.
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2023/11/… – 9:29 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat 20, Bulls 1.
Heat 8 of 10.
Bulls 0 for 9, 3 TOs (but Caruso has made a free throw, so there’s that). – 8:24 PM
Heat 20, Bulls 1.
Heat 8 of 10.
Bulls 0 for 9, 3 TOs (but Caruso has made a free throw, so there’s that). – 8:24 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
“There’s a part of me that doesn’t care. If I’m open, I shoot it.”
Alex Caruso is the only player who seems unaffected by the Bulls shooting slump. Caruso credits his heightened efficiency to his mindset. chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/c… – 5:10 PM
“There’s a part of me that doesn’t care. If I’m open, I shoot it.”
Alex Caruso is the only player who seems unaffected by the Bulls shooting slump. Caruso credits his heightened efficiency to his mindset. chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/c… – 5:10 PM
Sean Barnard @Sean_Barnard1
In the latest report from @JakeLFischer he states that “Alex Caruso could possibly net Chicago it’s greatest return of any player on roster”
From the Sixers perspective this is where my interest ends. Price is just too steep for a guy I’m not confident is the lone missing piece pic.twitter.com/NaegLJga91 – 4:44 PM
In the latest report from @JakeLFischer he states that “Alex Caruso could possibly net Chicago it’s greatest return of any player on roster”
From the Sixers perspective this is where my interest ends. Price is just too steep for a guy I’m not confident is the lone missing piece pic.twitter.com/NaegLJga91 – 4:44 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Caruso is shooting 50% from 3. This is a great quote from him about his mindset. pic.twitter.com/SZt96XuDle – 10:22 AM
Caruso is shooting 50% from 3. This is a great quote from him about his mindset. pic.twitter.com/SZt96XuDle – 10:22 AM
Josh Martin @Bulls_Wire
Chicago Bulls Injury Report vs. Magic: DeMar DeRozan QUESTIONABLE, Alex Caruso PROBABLE bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/11/17/chi… pic.twitter.com/g8hXCPCV9e – 1:00 AM
Chicago Bulls Injury Report vs. Magic: DeMar DeRozan QUESTIONABLE, Alex Caruso PROBABLE bullswire.usatoday.com/2023/11/17/chi… pic.twitter.com/g8hXCPCV9e – 1:00 AM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Caruso on start: “It was good. I got some open shots early. DeMar and Zach got downhill. They trust me and when they see me open, they do a good job of hitting me on target. And then it’s just trusting the work. I was back to my small ball 4 role, trying to make life hard for… – 11:46 PM
Caruso on start: “It was good. I got some open shots early. DeMar and Zach got downhill. They trust me and when they see me open, they do a good job of hitting me on target. And then it’s just trusting the work. I was back to my small ball 4 role, trying to make life hard for… – 11:46 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Alex Caruso on getting his fingers taped in second half: “It’s just a pinky. It’s been messed up for years. And it just got hit a couple times, so it just hurts.” – 11:44 PM
Alex Caruso on getting his fingers taped in second half: “It’s just a pinky. It’s been messed up for years. And it just got hit a couple times, so it just hurts.” – 11:44 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Billy Donovan said Alex Caruso will start for the foreseeable future. Said he has to figure out best rotation, particularly because Bulls lose him as an energy replacement. – 10:45 PM
Billy Donovan said Alex Caruso will start for the foreseeable future. Said he has to figure out best rotation, particularly because Bulls lose him as an energy replacement. – 10:45 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Magic 103, Bulls 97
LaVine 34 pts (25 in 2nd half)
DeRozan 23 pts
Caruso 18 pts (4-5 from 3)
Vucevic 10 pts, 10 rebs, 6 assists; missed good look on go-ahead 3 with 12.5 seconds left
Wagner 21 pts
Bulls drop to 0-2 in In-Season Tournament standings – 10:27 PM
Magic 103, Bulls 97
LaVine 34 pts (25 in 2nd half)
DeRozan 23 pts
Caruso 18 pts (4-5 from 3)
Vucevic 10 pts, 10 rebs, 6 assists; missed good look on go-ahead 3 with 12.5 seconds left
Wagner 21 pts
Bulls drop to 0-2 in In-Season Tournament standings – 10:27 PM
Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Magic were trying to screen to get Caruso off Banchero, Caruso refused to get off that matchup. Then hits the huge 3 on the other end to give Bulls a late lead.. pic.twitter.com/sz66gnmtAA – 10:21 PM
Magic were trying to screen to get Caruso off Banchero, Caruso refused to get off that matchup. Then hits the huge 3 on the other end to give Bulls a late lead.. pic.twitter.com/sz66gnmtAA – 10:21 PM
Dan Savage @Dan_Savage
Alex Caruso hits a 3 with 25.7 seconds left to put Chicago up one.
Bulls 97, Magic 96.
It’ll be Orlando ball out of the timeout. – 10:19 PM
Alex Caruso hits a 3 with 25.7 seconds left to put Chicago up one.
Bulls 97, Magic 96.
It’ll be Orlando ball out of the timeout. – 10:19 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Caruso nails the 3-pointer. Of course. Bulls take the lead.
97-96 with 25.7 left. – 10:19 PM
Caruso nails the 3-pointer. Of course. Bulls take the lead.
97-96 with 25.7 left. – 10:19 PM
Evan Dunlap @BQRMagic
if the Bulls have a fire sale, Caruso is the guy I want if I’m the Magic – 10:18 PM
if the Bulls have a fire sale, Caruso is the guy I want if I’m the Magic – 10:18 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Those two offensive rebounds are going to haunt the Bulls. Caruso picks up a foul and the Magic take a 96-92 lead for the final 90 seconds. – 10:16 PM
Those two offensive rebounds are going to haunt the Bulls. Caruso picks up a foul and the Magic take a 96-92 lead for the final 90 seconds. – 10:16 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
That’s a killer possession. Bulls allowed 2 offensive rebounds. Caruso had to foul Isaac. – 10:16 PM
That’s a killer possession. Bulls allowed 2 offensive rebounds. Caruso had to foul Isaac. – 10:16 PM
Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Caruso has a toe injury, a shoulder injury, two fingers buddy taped, half his body wrapped up, got hit in the nether regions earlier in the game, and was at the scorers table ready to check back in for crunch time before Billy Donovan sent him back to the bench. pic.twitter.com/HMh2UhIZaZ – 10:10 PM
Caruso has a toe injury, a shoulder injury, two fingers buddy taped, half his body wrapped up, got hit in the nether regions earlier in the game, and was at the scorers table ready to check back in for crunch time before Billy Donovan sent him back to the bench. pic.twitter.com/HMh2UhIZaZ – 10:10 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Caruso and Vucevic were at scorer’s table before that timeout but Donovan has pulled them back. Riding this 5-man group at least one more possession. – 10:08 PM
Caruso and Vucevic were at scorer’s table before that timeout but Donovan has pulled them back. Riding this 5-man group at least one more possession. – 10:08 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Alex Caruso with his shoulder wrapped up (h/t @therealBeede)
Has not played since the 5:06 mark of the third quarter. pic.twitter.com/gWfdedaSzn – 10:02 PM
Alex Caruso with his shoulder wrapped up (h/t @therealBeede)
Has not played since the 5:06 mark of the third quarter. pic.twitter.com/gWfdedaSzn – 10:02 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Heat mailbag: Does a trade for Zach LaVine make sense for the Heat? We explore that possibility and the Alex Caruso fit miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… – 9:52 PM
Heat mailbag: Does a trade for Zach LaVine make sense for the Heat? We explore that possibility and the Alex Caruso fit miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… – 9:52 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Alex Caruso headed to the locker room for the Bulls after banging up his hand diving for the ball earlier this quarter. – 9:46 PM
Alex Caruso headed to the locker room for the Bulls after banging up his hand diving for the ball earlier this quarter. – 9:46 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Caruso is in pain after diving for that loose ball. Holding and shaking out his right hand. – 9:32 PM
Caruso is in pain after diving for that loose ball. Holding and shaking out his right hand. – 9:32 PM
Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Bulls stats at halftime
—-
Alex Caruso: 13 points, 4-of-5 from the field, 3-of-4 from 3
Rest of Bulls: 20 points, 7-of-31 from the field, 1-of-9 from 3
Free Alex Caruso. pic.twitter.com/Rwxp63TYFf – 9:15 PM
Bulls stats at halftime
—-
Alex Caruso: 13 points, 4-of-5 from the field, 3-of-4 from 3
Rest of Bulls: 20 points, 7-of-31 from the field, 1-of-9 from 3
Free Alex Caruso. pic.twitter.com/Rwxp63TYFf – 9:15 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Yeah, that’s another ugly first half.
Bulls trail 48-33. Exact same scoring as the first half of Wednesday’s loss.
Alex Caruso is the only Bulls player with a positive +/- (+6) and leads the team in scoring (13 points). – 9:07 PM
Yeah, that’s another ugly first half.
Bulls trail 48-33. Exact same scoring as the first half of Wednesday’s loss.
Alex Caruso is the only Bulls player with a positive +/- (+6) and leads the team in scoring (13 points). – 9:07 PM
Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Great, the Bulls started Alex Caruso.
Maybe play him longer than six-minute stretches?
Or trade him.
Or both? – 8:47 PM
Great, the Bulls started Alex Caruso.
Maybe play him longer than six-minute stretches?
Or trade him.
Or both? – 8:47 PM
Evan Dunlap @BQRMagic
This huge Magic run started when Caruso went out of the game. Not a coincidence! – 8:40 PM
This huge Magic run started when Caruso went out of the game. Not a coincidence! – 8:40 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Man this is rough. Magic are playing harder around the rim and pushing the pace more in the open court. On a 19-5 run since the Bulls took an early 7-point lead.
Caruso scored nine points. Rest of the team has seven. – 8:40 PM
Man this is rough. Magic are playing harder around the rim and pushing the pace more in the open court. On a 19-5 run since the Bulls took an early 7-point lead.
Caruso scored nine points. Rest of the team has seven. – 8:40 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Caruso left the game at about the 6-minute mark with the Bulls up comfortably 9-4 … it’s now 21-14 Orlando 4 minutes later. – 8:28 PM
Caruso left the game at about the 6-minute mark with the Bulls up comfortably 9-4 … it’s now 21-14 Orlando 4 minutes later. – 8:28 PM
Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Watch Caruso guarding an entire side of the floor, forcing Banchero into the travel. pic.twitter.com/YqA2KCxRw2 – 8:27 PM
Watch Caruso guarding an entire side of the floor, forcing Banchero into the travel. pic.twitter.com/YqA2KCxRw2 – 8:27 PM
Evan Dunlap @BQRMagic
Alex Caruso just makes shit happen, man. A contender needs to pick him up. – 8:19 PM
Alex Caruso just makes shit happen, man. A contender needs to pick him up. – 8:19 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Caruso with all 9 of the Bulls’ points. Welcome to the starting lineup! – 8:17 PM
Caruso with all 9 of the Bulls’ points. Welcome to the starting lineup! – 8:17 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Alex Caruso absolutely eating from 3-point range to start this one. He’s 3-for-3 from behind the arc in the opening four minutes. – 8:17 PM
Alex Caruso absolutely eating from 3-point range to start this one. He’s 3-for-3 from behind the arc in the opening four minutes. – 8:17 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Caruso entered tonight shooting 44.8% from 3-point range and has made his first two. He’s attempting the second-highest volume of his career at 2.9 attempts per game. – 8:15 PM
Caruso entered tonight shooting 44.8% from 3-point range and has made his first two. He’s attempting the second-highest volume of his career at 2.9 attempts per game. – 8:15 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
You know it’s a big game when Alex Caruso gets the starting nod!! pic.twitter.com/Ea5CzhrI63 – 7:57 PM
You know it’s a big game when Alex Caruso gets the starting nod!! pic.twitter.com/Ea5CzhrI63 – 7:57 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Alex Caruso could fetch a similar trade return as Jrue Holiday, per report
cbssports.com/nba/news/alex-… – 6:18 PM
Alex Caruso could fetch a similar trade return as Jrue Holiday, per report
cbssports.com/nba/news/alex-… – 6:18 PM
Jamal Collier @JamalCollier
Bulls will have both DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso available tonight against the Magic, per Billy Donovan – 6:17 PM
Bulls will have both DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso available tonight against the Magic, per Billy Donovan – 6:17 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
A new Heat mailbag: Does a trade for Zach LaVine make sense for the Heat? We explore that possibility and the Alex Caruso fit miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… Also, who’s the best player comparison for Jaime Jaquez Jr. and more – 5:12 PM
A new Heat mailbag: Does a trade for Zach LaVine make sense for the Heat? We explore that possibility and the Alex Caruso fit miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… Also, who’s the best player comparison for Jaime Jaquez Jr. and more – 5:12 PM
More on this storyline
KC Johnson: Alex Caruso was right. NBA rules in its L2M report that Paolo Banchero traveled before his game-winning hoop. FWIW, Caruso also got away with an uncalled shooting foul on Franz Wagner with 1:27 left. -via Twitter @KCJHoop / November 16, 2023
KC Johnson: Seeing Alex Caruso speculation almost daily, now tied to Bulls potentially having “fire sale” if LaVine is dealt. FWIW, Bulls have rebuffed all Caruso overtures in past and, at least as of now, I’ve heard nothing to indicate they have interest in dealing him. -via Twitter @KCJHoop / November 16, 2023
KC Johnson: Bulls list Alex Caruso questionable vs. Pistons with left toe strain. Dalen Terry, who played sparingly in G League game, is out with left patella tendinitis. Patrick Williams is probable with left finger sprain. -via Twitter @KCJHoop / November 11, 2023
“I’ve never been good at the business of basketball. It really hasn’t been much of an importance of mine up until this point. But obviously this is how I feed my family. Obviously, I want a big contract. I think that’s what I work for and I think it’s what I’m worth. But whenever it comes, it comes,” Williams said. “I’m not 100 percent going to say this summer or next summer or whenever it may be. I go out and hoop and try to win games. My main focus now is helping this team get over the next hump and myself over that hump.” -via NBC Sports Chicago / October 23, 2023
Bobby Marks: The 2020 Draft Class that did not get extended: 2. James Wiseman (DET) 4. Patrick Williams (CHI) 5. Isaac Okoro (CLE) 7. Killian Hayes (DET) 8. Obi Toppin (IND) 13. Kira Lewis Jr. (NOP) 16. Chuma Okeke (2019) (ORL) 17. Aleksej Pokusevski (OKC) 19. Saddiq Bey (ATL) 20. Precious Achiuwa (TOR) 21. Tyrese Maxey (PHI) 25. Immanuel Quickley (NYK) 29. Malachi Flynn (TOR) -via Twitter @BobbyMarks42 / October 23, 2023
