Chicago Bulls Coach Sends Recruiting Message To Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook of the... Utah Jazz (yes, that sounds strange) is still weighing his options after being shipped there at the trade deadline by the Los Angeles Lakers. Though no decision has been made yet, he will likely work out a buyout with the Jazz, and then choose his next destination.

According to NBA Insider Chris Haynes, Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan—Westbrook's former coach in Oklahoma City—has sent a recruiting message to Russ's peeps. 

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

I was told that Billy Donovan with the Bulls, his message has been relayed to Russ that Chicago should be the place for him. I don't know if they've talked extensively, or if it was a text, but I was told his message has been relayed to Russ.

The Bulls, of course, have been without their lead guard Lonzo Ball for the past year+, as he's still struggling with a mysterious knee injury.  

We've also heard the Los Angeles Clippers' Paul George—another former OKC Thunder connection—has been openly campaigning for Westbrook to come to the Clips. “You know, we need a point guard...," began George. "If nothing happens, I think we got enough in this locker room to be able to make it work, but it would definitely improve our team if we had that traditional point guard to kind of get us in things and make the game easy. So hopefully Russell sees this and we figure something out.”

The Clippers did ship out their two point guards at the trade deadline in Reggie Jackson and John Wall, leaving them with no true point guard on the roster.

The Clips and the Bulls are indeed considered the favorites for landing Westbrook, but the Miami Heat have also been mentioned as a potential suitor. 

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports