NBA Rumors: Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley could reunite with Chicago Bulls

Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley were teammates for the LA Lakers for more than half a season. At the trade deadline, Westbrook was shipped to the Utah Jazz and Beverley was swapped for Mo Bamba of the Orlando Magic.

However, the latest NBA rumors suggest that Westbrook and Beverley could play on the same team again soon. K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reported that the Bulls are interested in Westbrook once he agrees on a buyout with the Jazz.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski also called the Bulls a "front-runner" to sign the former MVP, alongside the Miami Heat and LA Clippers. Johnson also noted that Beverley and his representatives are in contact with the Bulls following his release from the Magic.

Russell Westbrook didn't have the best campaign last season as trade rumors continued to swirl around him and the LA Lakers. Westbrook managed to bounce back this season by coming off the bench and becoming one of the best sixth men in the NBA.

The former MVP was averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game. He was even one of the favorites to win the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award before getting traded.

Meanwhile, Patrick Beverley was disappointing for the Lakers this season. He averaged 6.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. The Lakers were hoping for Beverley to help the team's defensive woes, but he was simply ineffective on both sides of the ball.

The Chicago Bulls have struggled to find the right point guard this season. With Lonzo Ball still recovering from knee surgery, the Bulls have relied on Coby White, Goran Dragic and Alex Caruso. However, they might be better off with someone like Westbrook.

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Billy Donovan comments on Russell Westbrook

Billy Donovan and Russell Westbrook

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan cannot comment on their pursuit of Russell Westbrook, who could get bought out by the Utah Jazz. However, Donovan discussed coaching Westbrook during his time with the OKC Thunder from 2015 to 2020.

"I’ve always said this: It was an unbelievable respect on my part from the standpoint that whenever there was a game, you knew he was always ready to play," Donovan told reporters in a postgame interview. "And he's a great competitor. And he loves competing.

"He plays with great energy and great passion. Like I've said before, you go into a locker room before a game and you’re not worried about whether or not he's ready to play. Every game."