The Los Angeles Lakers made an unfortunate move in the 2021 offseason not to extend Alex Caruso’s contract. The franchise could have kept him on the roster with bird rights but after re-signing Talen Horton-Tucker to a three-year deal, the front office did not want to deal with luxury tax implications that would transpire with a Caruso re-signing.

The previous Lakers revamp disappointed many fans not only because Caruso was a pivotal component of the team and a fan favorite, but because the guard reportedly talked to the franchise and gave them the option to re-sign him for much less than his deal with the Chicago Bulls. In the end, the Texas A&M product signed with the Eastern Conference team to a four-year $36.98-million deal.

Before anything else, Nitrobetting shares the latest news, NBA odds, and special features throughout the 2022-23 NBA season. Let’s get a closer look at one of the hottest NBA trade rumors before the year ends.

Alex Caruso Trade Rumors

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READ MORE: A Zach LaVine Move Before The Season Ends?

Back on the trade block

After a year and a half of wearing the Bulls jersey, Caruso joins trade talks. Chicago took a solid hit this season and if their performance dips in the not-so-distant future, Caruso is likely to be one of their more valuable trade pieces.

With the 28-year-old potentially on the trade market and Los Angeles looking to strengthen their lineup, there could be a possibility that he wears that purple and gold jersey once again. Should this deal push through, the deal would likely involve Kendrick Nunn, Max Christie, Damian Jones, and a 2028 first-round pick swap. Plus, if the Lakers and the Bulls can make this trade work with a 2028 pick swap, it keeps their options open in trading the 2027 and 2029 unprotected picks. That is a plus for the Lakers here.

Ultimately, this trade would see the undrafted player reunite with the team that took a chance on him and would re-ignite Lakers fans, even if they fail to make a playoff run this season. There are multiple factors that can go on with a deal like this, especially where there might be a few more teams trying to court Caruso.

The return of the trio

It’s ironic to think that Caruso remains a solid piece in the Lakers’ rotation. He’s the type of player the team needs if they don’t want to splurge before the NBA trade deadline. The Texas-born player is a cheaper option versus Buddy Hield and Myles Turner. More than that, it would be a lot easier to integrate him within Darvin Ham’s system knowing that the 2020 NBA Champion is familiar with the team’s core.

There’s a solid conversation revolving around how the Los Angeles Lakers can give a helping hand to the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Caruso is an easy answer to that question. We already know that the trio works and the franchise would bring him in in a cost-effective way.

The Lakers can do without a lengthy on-court transition process and offer a solid upgrade at the guard position. If they wanted, they could opt to start him and still have an energy player in Russell Westbrook coming off the bench.

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This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2022-23 NBA season previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest basketball betting odds on our online BTC sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.