The time when the Golden State Warriors were dominating the NBA is now in everyone’s rearview mirror. But that doesn’t mean the Warriors can’t recapture some of their old glory.
One way to do it is on the defensive end of the floor. After finishing the 2023-24 NBA regular season just 19th in the league in scoring defense with 115.2 points allowed per game and only 15th with 114.7 points surrendered per 100 possessions, the Warriors can look to trade for a proven defensive weapon in the summer.
Alex Caruso to the Golden State Warriors?
![Golden State Warriors Acquire Ex-Los Angeles Lakers Fan Favorite in Stunning Trade Proposal 1 Chicago Bulls, Alex Caruso](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_22949691_168400517_lowres.jpg)
In a trade scenario made by Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report, the Warriors make a move to address their defensive issues by trading “Moses Moody, Gary Payton II and a 2026 lottery-protected first-round pick” for Chicago Bulls guard and former Los Angeles Lakers fan favorite Alex Caruso.
As much as long-range shooting and small-ball lineups defined the Dubs dynasty, defense was also an integral component.
Caruso could help the Warriors return to form on D. He graded out last year as the best backcourt defender in the league (among those who played at least 20 games) by Defensive Estimated Plus/Minus and has been an All-Defensive honoree in each of the past two seasons.
Payton is an intriguing addition to the suggested Warriors package for Caruso, but Hughes said that at the end of the day, availability is the best ability.
One could argue Gary Payton II is close to Caruso’s level when healthy, but his 44 appearances last season were the second most of his career. For him, “when healthy” has been, well…basically, never.
Caruso was an NBA All-Defensive First Team member in the 2022-23 season and got an NBA All-Defensive Second Team nod in the 2023-24 campaign.
![Golden State Warriors Acquire Ex-Los Angeles Lakers Fan Favorite in Stunning Trade Proposal 2 Chicago Bulls, Alex Caruso](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/USATSI_23025390-scaled.jpg)
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