Billy Donovan and Russell Westbrook enjoyed some really special years together with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and it now looks like the veteran NBA coach wants to rejoin forces with his former star.
Donovan is now the head coach for the Chicago Bulls, and Westbrook is expected by many to reach a buyout agreement with the Utah Jazz soon.
NEW #thisleague UNCUT, @ChrisBHaynes tells @TheSteinLine that Bulls coach Billy Donovan has already conveyed a backchannel desire to reunite with Russell Westbrook should Westbrook secure a buyout from Utah and become a free agent.
FULL EPISODE: https://t.co/6IECQfFhGC pic.twitter.com/qZqOqk7DM9
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) February 13, 2023
“I was told, Billy Donovan with the Bulls, his message has been relayed to Russ that Chicago should be the place for him,” NBA insider Chris Haynes said.
The Bulls might not be the best option for Westbrook if he is looking to join a title contender, but the team could be one of the best options for him if he wants to try to earn back a starting job on an NBA team.
Ayo Dosunmu is currently starting at the point guard position for the Bulls, and there is no indication that Lonzo Ball will be working his way back to the court anytime soon.
Adding Westbrook to the Bulls roster would give the team a formidable group of players.
Of course, the biggest names on the Bulls roster include Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic. Time will tell if Westbrook becomes part of that veteran core.
Beyond that, it is not as though the Bulls are in the midst of a lost season. While they are currently sitting in the No. 11 spot in the Eastern Conference, they are just half a game back of a play-in spot.
It’s hard to imagine that adding Westbrook would hurt the Bulls’ chances of closing that gap and earning a spot in the play-in tourney by the end of the 2022-23 regular season.
Still, there are other teams out there that are also certainly interested in Westbrook’s services. Some of the biggest competitors include the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers.
Both of those teams are in the playoff picture in their respective conference and have real needs for some added talent in the backcourt.
But before Westbrook can sign anywhere, he’s going to have to get a buyout from the Jazz. He’s yet to officially do so at this point.
