CHICAGO — Russell Westbrook still hasn’t found a landing spot — but the Chicago Bulls reportedly remain among the central group of buyers if he hits the buyout market.
After acquiring Westbrook in a deadline trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Utah Jazz gave the veteran point guard permission to begin discussions with other teams for a potential buyout move, according to a report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Bulls were among the first teams to communicate with Westbrook along with the Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards and Miami Heat, the report said.
Executive vice president Artūras Karnišovas signaled the Bulls would hit the buyout market after standing still at the trade deadline, but coach Billy Donovan since has declined to comment on the potential acquisition of his former Oklahoma City Thunder point guard.
The Bulls could use an experienced point guard as they inch closer to ending a second consecutive season without injured Lonzo Ball. Donovan repeatedly has emphasized poor decision-making as a key factor in losses the last two weeks — five straight entering Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center — which have been filled with turnovers and a stagnant offense.
Star guard Zach LaVine said he hasn’t spoken with teammate DeMar DeRozan about a potential Westbrook acquisition and declined to weigh in on front-office moves before and after the trade deadline. But LaVine offered high praise for the nine-time All-Star’s accomplishments in the league.
“Russ is a future Hall of Famer,” LaVine said. “You can only respect what he’s done in this league. Any player who happens to come on the team we’ll welcome with open arms. ... He’s a fierce competitor. You can do nothing but respect that.”
If Westbrook were to join the Bulls, he would face an immediate uphill battle in the final 23 games of the season. The Bulls have tumbled out of positioning for a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference, struggling through a losing streak punctuated this week by DeRozan’s quad injury.
