Can the Warriors Take Advantage of the Bulls Dysfunction?
The Golden State Warriors just completed a rough Eastern Conference road trip where they went 1-5. The team has the worst road record in the NBA — as they’ve only won three road games so far.
33 games into the season and the Warriors struggles are real. The two timeline strategy isn’t going as planned, the team is missing their superstar and the main offensive weapons aren’t producing at a rate for success.
Luckily for the Warriors, it’s still relatively early in the season. With some roster moves, the Warriors could potentially flip the switch and make a strong push to end the season, and from there, anything could happen in the playoffs.
One team to look out for in particular is the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls came into the season with high expectations, as they looked to build off the success from last season. At one point, they were the top seeded team in the East and looked like a real contender until injuries plagued their season.
However, the Bulls currently sit at 13-18 and are No. 11 in the Eastern Conference. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that stars Zach LaVine and Demar DeRozan are frustrated, which could possibly lead to some potential trades should those struggles worsen.
With that in mind, here are some potential players from the Bulls that could help the Warriors salvage what’s left of the season.
Alex Caruso
Bulls guard Alex Caruso has been recently linked to a variety of trade talks amidst the team’s struggles. Sean Devaney, NBA insider for Heavy.com, reported that teams have already made offers to Caruso.
The report stated that teams like Phoenix or Miami would be in a position to make a trade like that. Even the Warriors, they could send a young guy.
Caruso has built a reputation of a hard-nosed defender and someone who always gives 100% of his effort. Fans would immediately be reminded of Portland Trail Blazers guard Gary Payton II and his defensive prowess. The Warriors already picked up guard Donte DiVincenzo in the offseason as Payton II replacement and DiVincenzo has been solid defensively.
Adding Caruso to the bench rotation would provide the Warriors with another solid option. In addition to his hounding defense, Caruso contributed an extra 5.3 points a game and shot a sortching 41.2% from 3-point range in December, according to ESPN.
The young player the Bulls could potentially ask for in return could be guard Moses Moody. Though Moody has shown flashes of great potential and contributed during the Warriors championship run last season, Moody has been shoved deep into the bench rotation behind guards Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole. This resulted in six DNP’s already this season and with limited minutes and Head Coach Steve Kerr not allowing the young players to make mistakes, this puts Moody in a tough position to develop.
A swap between Caruso and Moody and an additional pick would be a beneficial trade for both teams, as Caruso is ready to help the Warriors compete and the Bulls add another young talent.
Nikola Vucevic
Another interesting player the Warriors could potentially make a play for is Bulls center Nikola Vucevic. Vucevik is averaging a double-double on the season — 16.7 points and 10.5 rebounds, according to ESPN.
Additionally, Vucevic has always been a threat from the outside, as he’s currently shooting 37.6% from 3-point range. With Vucevic operating as a stretch five in the Warriors offense, this could unlock a new weapon for the Warriors with the floor spacing.
Unfortunately, if a trade for Vucevic would be made, the Warriors would most likely be forced to give up center James Wiseman in return. Though Wiseman has shown growth in the G League, Wiseman still has yet earned the coaches trust to get consistent minutes off the bench as the backup center.
Wiseman’s projection as the former No. 2 overall pick hasn’t gone as planned so far, but if the Warriors are serious about defending the title this season, a trade for Vucevic would move the needle for the team. Kerr is also given another veteran that can easily make an impact in the game and would fit seamlessly into the Warriors offense.
(photo credit: Getty Images)