Billy Donovan backs Bulls' firm trade stand for Alex Caruso: "You need to get a haul from him"

Alex remains in Chicago amid warm trade interest from teams

© Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the clamor to finally push the reset button and go for a needed change, the Chicago Bulls didn't move any needle and opted to stand pat on making a swing ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.

The Bulls have maintained their conviction to continue competing regardless of what the outside noise is suggesting. Their most notable trade candidate was Alex Caruso, who absorbed an overwhelming trade regard, but the ball club has firmly tightened their grasp and commitment to him — which head coach Billy Donovan believes is simply justifiable.

A reasonable firm stand

Around the Chicago camp, all eyes were certainly focused on AC’s future with the Bulls. Alex stood up as the league's most targeted trade piece. And while the team tagged a costly high asking price for him, many teams were still aggressive in their pursuit of the savvy veteran

Despite the considerable trade factors that could've been capitalized for Alex, the Bulls didn't trade him away this Thursday.

“I think Alex Caruso is one of the most valuable players in the NBA,” Donovan said. “I think you need to get a haul for him.

‘‘Those players like DeMar DeRozan, like Alex Caruso just don’t grow on trees.”

Not for sale

Amid the sizzling interest coming from the marketplace, the Bulls have deeply planted their unwavering regard and commitment for Caruso. And from the inquiries made by the teams, they placed a mind-blowing demand as well that has been too steep to reach.

The stiff stance of the Bulls in their trade hesitancy around Caruso has been purely motivated by their intentions to continue their fight this season. With his hustle, defense, and reliable leadership, he can truly help Alex go beyond. And these intangibles that he brings to the table aren't just truly easy to let go of.

Insider shares the Chicago Bulls tried to acquire Jonathan Kuminga in a trade involving Alex Caruso