Chicago Bulls: 3 sensible trade packages for Russell Westbrook
By Ryan Heckman
Trade No. 1
If we’re trying to put it into perspective of the Paul/Westbrook deal, the Bulls would at least have to send one big name back in return to land Westbrook. That name, in this case, is Coby White.
He’s not as recognizable as a name like Paul, but his future and potential are well-worth it for Houston in this scenario. The Bulls would deal White, Tomas Satoransky and the contract of Otto Porter Jr. to Houston, in addition to a pair of first-round picks.
Porter’s contract has an opt-in for this next season which he will likely exercise, but following this coming year, that takes $28 million off the books for Houston, giving them plenty of flexibility to try and add more pieces to a team featuring James Harden, White and company.
The pair of first rounders from Chicago would probably include this year’s no. 4 overall pick and then their pick in 2022. Remember, teams cannot trade first-round picks in consecutive years, so the Bulls would keep their selection in 2021.
If they could get Westbrook for a package like this, the Bulls should do it in a heartbeat. As much as White excites fans, Westbrook is the far superior player and would allow Chicago to compete for a championship immediately.