Could the Chicago Bulls snag Russell Westbrook from the buyout market?

Could Russ be the Chicago Bulls' savior?

With the trade deadline concluding last week, NBA teams are now preparing to beef up their rosters with pick-ups from the buyout market. One name that's been at the forefront of discussions is current Utah Jazz guard Russell Westbrook. Although it remains unclear whether the former league MVP will get bought out by the Jazz, it's possible that he could be a great fit for the Chicago Bulls.

Addresses a glaring need

Reports have mentioned that if and when RW gets bought out, he would be leaning toward joining the Bulls. Although he was heavily criticized during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, the 34-year-old's addition to the Bulls would address a glaring need at the point guard position, given the uncertainty of Lonzo Ball returning to NBA courts this season.

The Bulls are now the front-runners to land Russell Westbrook, per @wojespn

— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) February 10, 2023

In addition, Westbrook has a connection with current Bulls coach Billy Donovan. After all, Donovan coached Westbrook's former team—the Oklahoma City Thunder—from 2015 to 2020, and was at the helm when the former UCLA product won the MVP award during the 2016-2017 season.

More than anything, Westbrook's arrival would inject life into a struggling Bulls squad that has now lost three straight and sits at 26-30. Ball has not played since January 2022 after suffering a knee injury. Since then, he has undergone two surgeries and remains without a timetable for a return. In his absence, the point guard position has been taken over by sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu to varying degrees of success.

Could Russ be the answer?

Aside from the Bulls, one other team that is reportedly interested in Westbrook's services is the Miami Heat. However, the Bulls can offer more in terms of opportunity and potential upside than the Heat. That could make Chicago the frontrunner should Westbrook become available on the buyout market. With a strong motor and an explosive offensive game, Russ might just be what the Bulls need to turn their season around.

Playing time, he likes Billy Donovan and it's (an overly) player-friendly organization with the low standard of trying to climb to .500.

Russell Westbrook could be a hero if he leads the #Bulls to an 8 seed. https://t.co/hZU5ryBiYN

— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) February 12, 2023