(Audacy) Point guard Russell Westbrook was dealt from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night in a three-team trade but could quickly find himself elsewhere — possibly Chicago.
The Bulls are interested in signing Westbrook should he secure a buyout from the Jazz, according to Chris B. Haynes of Bleacher Report.
Utah is in a rebuilding phase, making it likely that the Jazz will buy out the 34-year-old Westbrook and the $15 million-$16 million that he's still owed on his $47-million contract this season.
The Bulls emerge as a possible landing spot as they're still without Lonzo Ball as he continues a long rehab from left knee surgery last September — leaving the team without an established point guard as no definitive timetable has been set on Ball’s return.
How Westbrook may fit in with the likes of star forward DeMar DeRozan and star guard Zach LaVine may be a challenge for head coach Billy Donovan, but the Bulls may have limited options if they want to add a point guard. Chicago would also have to waive a player or make a trade to fit Westbrook’s contract.
Westbrook hasn't been an All-Star since the 2019-'20 season and struggled at times with the Lakers this season. He's averaging 15.9 points — his lowest mark since his rookie season — 7.5 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game while coming off the bench for Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Clippers are also expected to be interested in Westbrook.
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