Sacramento’s interest in Alex Caruso has put the wind in their sails

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 03: De’Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles against Alex … (+) Caruso #6 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on February 3, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, user agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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The Sacramento Kings offered a package consisting of their 13th overall pick and a contract player to the Chicago Bulls for guard Alex Caruso, according to The Athletic per Anthony Slater and Sam Amick.

Chicago declined the offer, preferring to deal Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Josh Giddey.

The trade attempt did reveal some inner thinking on behalf of the Kings, a franchise that has gone on offense in recent years, with limited focus on the other end of the floor.

One of the league’s best defensemen, Caruso would have drastically improved Sacramento’s defense, to the point where the Kings would have likely catapulted themselves into the playoffs next season, possibly without having to go through the play-in tournament .

As such, the kings gave their hand a tiny bit in the run-up to the tour.

At number 13, assuming they stick to the squad, it’s now fair to assume they won’t think about doubling down on their attack, and will probably give the defenders a chance.

Alternatively, if they remain open to moving away from the roster, it’s reasonable to expect them to focus on defensive players in order to better distribute their production across the floor.

Given that Caruso can guard multiple positions, it stands to reason that the organization will look at switchable, perimeter players, whether as a draft pick or a trade candidate.

There’s no one like Caruso available on the NBA trade market, and no one in free agency thinks he has comparable leverage — at least not someone the Kings can afford.

The design probably is. And that’s good news for Sacramento’s cap sheet, as they get a lottery pick in their fold who has team control under four contractual years.

Would Virginia’s Ryan Dunn be interesting? He may be the best defenseman in the draft, but he thrives as a small-ball center because his offensive game is very limited.

Dunn at #13 is also aiming high, but maybe there’s a workaround for that.

The New York Knicks have both #24 and #25 in the first round, a much more suitable landing spot for Dunn in terms of draft position. Head coach Tom Thibodeau isn’t usually fond of playing rookies, and the prospect of having to play two of them might be a bridge too far.

Sacramento still needs depth, so walking away from the draft with two selections, one of which could be spent on Dunn, and the other on a perimeter player, wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.

Of course, the Kings are trying to win themselves, so perhaps the prospects of two rookies are equally challenging for head coach Mike Brown.

Wherever it is, it would fetch a good price, and it would help the Kings keep their books more manageable.

Unless otherwise stated, all statistics are via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the glass or Basketball reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All opportunities thanks to FanDuel Sportsbook.