The Utah Jazz are expected to buy Russell Westbrook out of his contract after the team acquired him in a three-team trade. And already, one team emerged Friday as a frontrunner for the former NBA MVP.
The Chicago Bulls reportedly have emerged as the frontrunner for Westbrook. ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported the details on Friday afternoon.
“If he gets out into the buyout market, listen, there is significant interest in Westbrook,” Woj told Malika Andrews. “I think one team you’ve gotta watch, and I think will be a frontrunner is the Chicago Bulls. Billy Donovan, their head coach, certainly coached Westbrook in Oklahoma City. And go further down his bench, Mo Cheeks, Josh Longstaff. There’s a staff of former OKC assistants who all had good relationships and worked well with Westbrook with the Bulls. And you see how he fits, just bringing some energy and some fire to that team’s bench.”
So the Bulls figure to be a significant team to watch for if Russell Westbrook hits the open market. Westbrook might not be able to contribute with Utah, but he could serve as a solid, low-risk piece for the Bulls as they attempt to get it going. Chicago is 26-29 and sit 9th in the Eastern Conference standings. They’re certainly in need of some kind of jolt.
