Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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.
“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.
If the Milwaukee Bucks could go back in time and not fire Adrian Griffin for…
Some members of the Houston Rockets regret trading for Kevin Durant last offseason, sources told…
The Milwaukee Bucks are expected to pursue a trade for Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi…
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby only cares about winning. The five-time Pro Bowler…
The Miami Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game in more than two decades, but former…
Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has been the subject of allegations related to a burner…