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Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Summary
Caruso has developed from a fun story into a legitimate rotational piece for a championship team. The Lakers will sometimes even close games with Caruso on the floor because of his impact. Caruso hits shots at a solid level (41% from three this past season), hustles like crazy, and plays solid defense both on and off the ball.
Caruso doesn't have any in-between game, as all of his shot attempts essentially come at the rim or from three. While that certainly helps his numbers (Caruso had an above-average eFG% this past season), I think it does limit his ceiling a bit. With the few midrangers he does take, he hits them at an extremely low rate. When teams can take away the most optimal looks, I don't think Caruso can create decent looks for himself.
However, with the Lakers Caruso is not exactly someone you want with the ball in his hands and the shot-clock winding down, so maybe that skillset isn't required. It is something to consider though if you are another team interested him in free agency this summer. I don't think I'd be looking at Caruso as someone that could take a leap in another situation. I would be more interested in Caruso if I were a contender, as he's already shown that he can be a really good role player on a great team.
Caruso has only made a little bit over the minimum over his career so far, so he'll certainly be looking for his first big contract. Caruso is a little older than many would expect, as he'll already be 27 this summer, so this may be his one real chance at a big long-term contract.
Cap Considerations
Caruso will be an unrestricted free agent with a $5.2 million cap hold and full Bird rights. Since the Lakers will be operating over the salary cap, they will retain Caruso's Bird rights, and have no restrictions on re-signing him. However, re-signing Caruso to a big contract could push the Lakers high into the luxury tax, depending on what happens with their other free agents, but that may not really matter to a championship-level team in the league's biggest market.
If Caruso demands a starting salary of more than the full $9.5 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, only teams with cap space will be able to sign him, unless a sign-and-trade is worked out. It is possible that Caruso could be had for the full MLE.
Potential Teams: Lakers, Bulls, Pistons, Magic, Trailblazers
Predicted Contract: 3-year, $30 million with the Lakers
Actual Contract: 4-year, $37 million (4th year $3M guaranteed) with the Bulls
Caruso got similar money to what I expected, and I was surprised that the Lakers did not seem very interested on retaining him at that salary level.
Last updated: 8/17/2021
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