Golden State Warriors Rumors: Proposed 3-team trade has defending champs acquiring 2-time All-Star, defensive stalwart

The Golden State Warriors are close to having Steph Curry back from injury. However, the defending champions remain in the bottom half of the Western Conference standings. The latest proposed trade has the Warriors acquiring a two-time All-Star and a defensive-minded guard.

Rob Shaefer of NBC Sports Chicago suggested a three-team trade involving the Warriors, LA Lakers and Chicago Bulls. His proposed deal has Golden State acquiring Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso, while the Lakers will receive Nikola Vucevic and Draymond Green.

Meanwhile, the Bulls are getting Max Christie, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Russell Westbrook and James Wiseman. They will also receive the 2029 Lakers first-round pick, a Lakers second-round pick in 2027 and two Warriors first-round picks.

The proposed trade works salary-wise, but it might not make sense for the Warriors. However, Jack Simone of Heavy Sports opined that if Golden State do not want to lose Draymond Green for free this summer, they will have to make the trade.

LaVine adds another layer of offense for the Warriors, while Alex Caruso fills in the space left by Gary Payton II. For the Lakers, they acquire a two-time All-Star center in Nikola Vucevic, while pairing Green with his good friend LeBron James.

If the Bulls pull the trigger on the trade, it signals their intent to rebuild. Adding Max Christie, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and James Kuminga is a good start, while Westbrook's contract frees up cap space in the summer.

---

Golden State Warriors urged to trade for Alex Caruso

Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls v Phoenix Suns

The Golden State Warriors are lacking depth and defense, which is the main reason why they are 20-19 almost halfway through the season. With the Feb. 9 trade deadline fast approaching, the Warriors could make some moves to improve their chances of defending their NBA title.

According to Michael Pina of The Ringer, Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls should be atop the priority list for the Warriors. He also mentioned the Boston Celtics, New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns as possible suitors.

Caruso can provide depth and defense for the Golden State Warriors, filling the void left by Gary Payton II. The diminutive defensive guard's energy and defense helped the Warriors win the championship last season. The Warriors let him walk in free agency, with Payton signing a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Donte DiVincenzo has played admirably for the Warriors, but he was slowed down by an injury earlier in the season. DiVincenzo is averaging 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals. Caruso, on the other hand, is having a down season, but so are the entire Bulls team.

​