Should the Chicago Bulls sign Russell Westbrook?
Could Russell Westbrook become a member of the Chicago Bulls within the next few days?
The former All-Star point guard was recently traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal that also included the Minnesota Timberwolves. Utah received Westbrook, Juan Toscanini-Anderson, Damian Jones and the Lakers’ 2027 first-round pick (1-4 protected).
Russell Westbrook has been traded to the Utah Jazz‼️👀 https://t.co/ob7EfCtbLI
Los Angeles picked up D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt while the Wolves will get Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker as well as second-round picks in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Westbrook, however, is expected to reach a buyout with the Jazz and become a free agent. And if that happens, he could be picked up by the Bulls, Miami Heat or Los Angeles Clippers.
"I think one team you got to watch and I think will be a frontrunner are the Chicago Bulls."
- @wojespn on Russell Westbrook
(h/t @RealGM ) https://t.co/AuzG5bGG4N
Westbrook was traded to the Lakers in July 2021, as Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell were shipped to the Washington Wizards. Unfortunately, he failed to be a good fit next to stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis during his season and a half with the team. He struggled with poor shooting and made a plethora of turnovers. He was even demoted to the bench this season by new coach Darvin Ham.
Would it be wise for the Chicago Bulls to acquire Russell Westbrook?
The Bulls have struggled this season, currently owning a 26-29 record (ninth in the Eastern Conference).
They could certainly use help at the point guard position. Starter Lonzo Ball hasn’t played since January 2022 due to injury. Second-year player Ayo Dosunmu has started 45 games this season while Goran Dragic and Coby White have seen time off the bench.
Westbrook isn’t the bigtime superstar that he used to be, but he would still be an upgrade over all three. Although he wouldn’t help in terms of shooting, he provides energy, playmaking and solid rebounding from the point guard spot.
Signing with Chicago should make Westbrook feel comfortable. He played for current Bulls head coach Billy Donovan with the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2015-19. That was the best time of Westbrook's career, as he was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player during the 2016-17 campaign.
The Bulls should definitely pursue Westbrook if he does indeed work out a buyout with the Jazz. He could team with DeMar DeRozan, Zach Lavine, and Nikola Vucevic to try and help the team reach the playoffs this season.