NBA Trade Rumors: Predicting how 7 early-season trade whispers will end

Zach LaVine (Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports)
Zach LaVine (Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports)
4 of 7
Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls Alex Caruso (Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports)

NBA Trade Rumor No. 4: Alex Caruso could follow Zach LaVine

If the Chicago Bulls do move forward with trading Zach LaVine, and there’s growing speculation that they will, it would only make sense for Alex Caruso to follow LaVine out the door. In fact, there are many around the league who believe Caruso is the player that would bring the most return via trade. I’m not sure if I would say I believe a Caruso trade return would outweigh a LaVine one, but I think it’s pretty clear he would be a highly sought-after player.

In a perfect world, it probably makes sense for the Bulls to clear the decks and tear it all down. But I don’t see ownership making such a decision. I can’t see the Bulls trading Caruso without a LaVine trade and, quite frankly, I’m not sure that’s going to be an easy deal to complete.

Prediction: Maybe I’m wrong, but I can’t imagine the Bulls making two huge, franchise-changing trades at the NBA Trade Deadline. Even though it would make sense, I can’t see Chicago leaning that much into the rebuild. The only way I can see the Bulls trading both Caruso and LaVine is if one of them is moved in the next six weeks. I don’t think that’s happening.