Among the extensive list of free agents the Los Angeles Lakers must decide on retaining, Alex Caruso stands out as a likely priority to keep.
Caruso is expected to be a busy man in free agency this summer as he’ll likely be meeting with several teams in order to make the best choice for his future.
The 27-year-old guard has worked his way up as an undrafted player vying for minutes in the G League to being a trusted defender in closing lineups alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
But since the Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook, the already tight financial situation squeezed further.
As the Lakers hope to retain Caruso on a reasonable amount, there is one possible suitor removing its name from the list for Caruso.
According to Chris Fedor of cleveland.com, the Cleveland Cavaliers are out of the Caruso sweepstakes:
” [Ricky] Rubio addresses one of those, taking Cleveland out of the crowded, competitive — and likely pricey — point guard market. With the stabilizing Spaniard in the mix, sending away Taurean Prince, a 2022 second-round pick from the Washington Wizards and cash to complete the deal, sources tell cleveland.com the Cavs are no longer expected to pursue Los Angeles Lakers free agent guard Alex Caruso or Indiana Pacers pesky reserve TJ McConnell — both of whom will garner interest from several suitors and could command the full mid-level exception, which starts around $9.5 million.”
Fedor had previously reported the Cavaliers would target both Caruso and Talen Horton-Tucker in free agency, but acquiring Ricky Rubio in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves steadies Cleveland’s point guard rotation.
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