Recently, the Chicago Bulls have been mentioned as a possible landing spot for star guard Russell Westbrook. As a result, it looks like veteran guard Goran Dragic may be on the outs.
“If the Bulls don’t add Westbrook, John Wall and Patrick Beverley are names to keep in mind,” wrote Bulls insider K.C. Johnson. “The Bulls will need to waive a player to create a roster spot, and their current focus calls into question the future of Goran Dragić.”
It was recently reported that Bulls head coach Billy Donovan is interested in a reunion with his former Oklahoma City Thunder star.
That desire could help spell the end for Dragic in Chicago.
The one-time All-Star joined the Bulls over the offseason, and he has served solidly in a reserve role for the team. So far this season, he’s played in 51 games (all off the bench) and averaged 6.4 points, 2.7 assists and 1.4 rebounds per game.
He’s shooting 42.5 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from deep. The Slovenian is doing all that in just 15.4 minutes of playing time per game.
Given his level of production, it stands to reason that he wouldn’t have much trouble finding an interested team if he were to be released by the Bulls.
As teams start to strengthen their rosters in preparation for the playoffs, veteran guards with ample playoff experience are always a valuable commodity. Dragic is most certainly that and has played in the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.
The last time he helped lead a team deep into the postseason was back in 2020 when he and the Miami Heat advanced all the way to the NBA Finals. Dragic started in 16 of the 17 games that he appeared in during the 2020 NBA Playoffs.
When it comes to the Bulls, it looks like they might still be angling for a postseason berth this season. Right now, they sit at the No. 11 seed in the Eastern Conference, the first seed that wouldn’t make the cut for the play-in tournament.
They are 1.5 games back from the 10th-seeded Washington Wizards, so they will have to start increasing their rate of success if they want to get over the hump.
The goal of getting into the playoffs may be why they’re considered potential suitors for Westbrook. Though he comes with a bit of baggage, he does have a history of leading teams to the playoffs. He’s advanced to the playoffs in 11 seasons so far in his career.
