Chicago Bulls dodge bullet after Russell Westbrook signs with Clippers

When a 3-team deal was executed a few days ago to bring Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz, there were immediately whispers of a potential buyout and, right away, the Chicago Bulls were involved in those rumors.

Despite being one of the rumored landing spots when a buyout was officially reached between Westbrook and the Jazz, Chicago did not ultimately land the 9-time All Star point guard.

Instead, Westbrook chose to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers and team up with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.

Alas, the Bulls avoided what could have been a gigantic, confusing mistake amongst many other gigantic, confusing situations in Chicago.

Russell Westbrook not choosing the Chicago Bulls is, in fact, a good thing

Let’s first start with the fact that Westbrook is a shell of the player he once was. Sure, he’s a 9-time All NBA selection and former MVP. He’s been a scoring champion, assist champion and has done quite a bit over his illustrious career.

But, now? Westbrook isn’t the guy he once was. His shooting is all over the place and not in the least bit dependable. The 34-year-old guard was never going to “save” the Bulls, for anyone who hilariously thought he could do so.

These Bulls are a mess. Currently in the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference, Chicago is going nowhere in a hurry. Between the drama with Zach LaVine and Billy Donovan, combined with the trade rumors regarding LaVine and getting rid of the contract which was just signed last offseason, Chicago has some issues to sort out.

Adding another high profile point guard to the mix was never the answer. Westbrook might have taken the Bulls from where they’re at to an eighth seed, at best, and they’d be in line for yet another first-round exit come playoff time.

Now with no other big rumors or storylines, other than of course the Lonzo Ball saga, the Bulls can look toward the offseason where some big changes will undoubtedly be in store.