Bulls source K.C. Johnson revealed on Thursday that the Bulls were engaged in exploratory trade talks with the Golden State Warriors, focusing on Alex Caruso, prior to the team remaining still at the trade deadline for the third straight year.
The Bulls reportedly asked about Warriors starting forward Jonathan Kuminga’s availability, according to league sources. That was rejected, and the Bulls made it clear in negotiations with other teams that they were unwilling to deal Caruso—especially not for a package that would include other young players like Moses Moody—so any offer to do so would have to be very compelling.
The Bulls spoke with teams about Andre Drummond and DeMar DeRozan in addition to Caruso.
Drummond attracted attention; he’s performed well this season. However, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Buddy Hield with second-round selection pick money. Additionally, the Dallas Mavericks acquired Washington’s Daniel Gafford, a former big man for the Bulls.
Two competitor executives told NBC Sports Chicago that the Bulls stressed their wish to be competitive in their discussions with their rivals. According to a source, ownership authorized executive vice president Artūras Karnišovas to handle the roster in whatever way he deemed fit.
According to a source, there was internal debate over starting to restructure the upcoming roster iteration now and selling off parts. Rather, the management postponed those choices until the offseason, when the Bulls would have to decide on contracts for DeRozan and Patrick Williams and Zach LaVine will be traded once more.
“We didn’t see anything that was going to improve us,” Karnišovas stated following the deadline on Thursday. “We would regress, which is something we do not desire. Our goal is to maintain our competitiveness. We owe it to this team, our supporters, and the city to continue to be competitive and challenge for the postseason. That is our current endeavor.”