Following his trade from the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell Westbrook, a nine-time NBA All-Star and current member of the Utah Jazz, will likely be bought out.
While his release is yet to become official, Westbrook’s potential suitors, including the Chicago Bulls, have quickly emerged.
Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes revealed Monday that Bulls HC Billy Donovan, Westbrook’s coach from 2015-19 in Oklahoma City, has formally recruited his former point guard to reunite with him.
Haynes said on the “#thisleague UNCUT” podcast, “I don’t know if they’ve talked extensively. I don’t know if it was a text. But I was told [Donovan’s] message has been relayed to Russ that Chicago should be the place,”
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
Although Donovan could not speak specifically about signing Westbrook due to possible tampering violations, he spoke highly of him ahead of Monday’s loss against Orlando.
“I always said this: It was unbelievable respect on my part,” said Donovan. “Whenever there was a game, you knew he was always ready to play. He’s a great competitor, and he loves competing. He plays with great energy and great passion.”
“Like I’ve said before, you go into a locker room before a game, and you look at him; you’re not worried about whether or not he’s ready to play. Every game,” he added.
Under Donovan, Westbrook achieved his greatest individual success. In 2017, he was named the league MVP for averaging 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. Westbrook continued to average a triple-double for the next two seasons as well.
The Los Angeles Clippers were named as another potential landing spot for the 34-year-old on “#thisleague UNCUT.” Clippers forward Paul George, Westbrook’s teammate in Oklahoma City for two seasons, advocated for him to join the team.
The Clippers have a greater need for Westbrook than the Bulls after trading away guards Reggie Jackson and John Wall and offer a more realistic chance of winning a title.
Westbrook is averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game this season. Although he’s a strong candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year Award, his chances will depend on which team he ends up on and what role he plays.
Source: yardbarker.com
