NBA Rumors: Two Frontrunners Named To Sign Russell Westbrook On The Buyout Market

NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Friday that if Russell Westbrook secures his buyout from the Utah Jazz (widely expected), he will have a strong suitor in the Chicago Bulls.

"I think one team you got to watch and I think will be a frontrunner are the Chicago Bulls."

- @wojespn on Russell Westbrook

(h/t @RealGM ) pic.twitter.com/AuzG5bGG4N
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 10, 2023

Woj explained the Bulls' coaching staff is a prime reason why Russ could land in the Windy City:

If he gets out into the buyout market, there is significant interest in Westbrook. I think one team you got to watch and I think will be a frontrunner are the Chicago Bulls. Billy Donovan certainly coached Westbrook in Oklahoma City. If you go further down his bench, Mo Cheeks, Josh Longstaff... There is a staff of former OKC assistants who all had good relationships and worked well with Westbrook with the Bulls. And you could see how he fits just bringing some energy and fire to that team's bench.

Ah, but that last line is something that Westbrook is still going to have to come to terms with: is he destined to be strictly a bench player at this point in his career? He did show that he was relatively accepting of that assignment in Los Angeles with the Lakers, though of course he still brought with him the poor shooting and bad decision-making, limiting his effectiveness in late-game situations.

Perhaps, though, a team that promises him a starting job could win him over.

Other teams linked to Westbrook on the buyout market have included the Los Angeles Clippers and the Miami Heat, though NBA Insider Chris Haynes has reported that his decision will come down to two of those finalists:

Russell Westbrook is expected to make his final decision this week between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls, per @ChrisBHaynes
— Sami Hassan (@BullsTimes) February 10, 2023