Chicago Bulls Receive: G Russell Westbrook
Washington Wizards Receive: F Otto Porter Jr, F Lauri Markkanen, G Coby White, CHI 2024 1st Round Pick
Going out and trading for Russell Westbrook would definitely be a big move by the Chicago Bulls, but it is highly unlikely that they would pursue the former league MVP, at least at the trade deadline this year. Washington does not appear to want to split up Westbrook and Beal just yet and with him being owed just over $130M through 2022, trading for Russ would certainly limit what the Bulls can do to better their overall depth moving forward.
Now in his 13th season in the league, Russell Westbrook has seen his offensive production drop over the last few years, but he is still a triple-double threat every time he steps out onto the court. In 30 games with Washignton this year, Westbrook is averaging 21.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 1.2 steals and is shooting 43.9% from the floor.
Outside of Zach LaVine, the Bulls do not really have a “go-to” scoring option, which is why they could look to add another big name player to their roster. In order to acquire Westbrook though, they would have to be prepared to give up a solid amount of value.
Otto Porter Jr. is expected to be moved at the trade deadline, making him not much of a loss for the Bulls, but Coby White and Lauri Markkanen are two young players with a lot of potential that Chicago may have a hard time giving up.
Coby White is now in his second season in the league and after a really solid rookie year, White has continued to improve his game next to Zach LaVine. He has the ability to play on or off-the-ball and has started to shoot the ball better, averaging 35.7% from three-point range this season.
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After missing a chunk of time this season due to a shoulder injury, Lauri Markkanen has returned to the Bulls, but could they look to move the young forward? Chicago did play well with Thaddeus Young and others replacing Markkanen’s production and with both he and the Bulls failing to reach a contract-extension in the offseason, they could potentially look to move the former 7th overall pick while he still holds a lot of value.
Again, Russell Westbrook will most definitely remain with the Wizards this season and probably for the foreseeable future, but this trade does offer some benefits to both teams. Now, let’s take a closer look as to if this trade makes sense for both the Wizards and the Bulls.
