Detroit Pistons trade the 5th pick and multiple 2nd-round picks to the Chicago Bulls for Alex Caruso and the 11th pick
One player I’d have on my radar if I were Trajan Langdon is Alex Caruso, the All-Defensive guard from the Chicago Bulls.
Caruso is heading into the final year of his deal, and if the Bulls decide to go another direction this summer, they could use Caruso to try and stockpile some assets. Of course, they could also extend him, or do what they did with DeMar DeRozan and just let him play out his contract. You never know with the Bulls, one of the few franchises in the NBA that has made as many inexplicable moves (or non-moves in their case) as the Pistons over the last few years.
Caruso would have suitors if he were on the market, but few that could offer the Bulls a top-five pick (Houston immediately comes to mind). In this draft, that may not be enough, but Chicago is bereft of future draft assets, so if the Pistons pile on 2-3 second-round picks, or maybe a young player, who knows? I'd be happy to throw Sasser and 2-3 future seconds in with the 5th pick.
Caruso is the ideal 3-and-D guard to put next to Cade, as he is a lockdown defender who shoots over 40 percent from 3-point range and doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective.
It would push Jaden Ivey to the bench, and immediately Caruso and Ausar Thompson would be a menacing defensive duo.
Is moving up in the draft enough to get Caruso? What would it take? The Bulls may not be listening to offers, but I’d find out. If the Pistons could swap the 5th pick for the 11th, they’d still have a young lottery talent (maybe Dalton Knecht or Ron Holland) to go with a guy who can help them now.
Caruso may not be available, but Langdon should be on the phone.