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Most would have thought the Chicago Bulls had finished making big moves this season. They added Coby White and Daniel Gafford in the NBA project. Then they secured Thaddeus Young and Tomas Satoransky free agency. Although none of these can be considered a blockbuster, we can think that the team has improved considerably since last season. As usual, the sport has the means to launch unexpected curves.
The Oklahoma City Thunder has reached a point of no return. Their failure to reach the finals last season put their money problems at the center of their concerns. They have already signed a massive contract with the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for star striker Paul George. This decision made their intentions perfectly clear. The organization is about to start rebuilding, meaning Russell Westbrook, 30, is the next goalie to follow.
It already seems that both parties agree to look for commercial opportunities. This led to widespread speculation about where he could land. Popular theories include Atlanta, New York, Houston and Miami. Few people mentioned the Bulls. If only because they have never been known to have made such a gesture.
Brian Windhorst of the NBA on ESPN however thinks that it could be the most ideal place for landing.
Chicago Bulls have the right combination to seduce a Westbrook deal
There are many factors at play here. For the Bulls to enter into an exchange, they must have a commercial package that would interest the Thunder and would also reduce the huge cap of $ 38.5 million he had brought with him. Not to mention the question of whether the man would be interested in playing Chicago.
Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that the Miami Heat had a lot of interest, but there was a problem. Following the agreement with Jimmy Butler, the financial situation of the team is difficult. They will have to lose a ton of salary to get Westbrook. The only way to make this happen is to ask the Thunder to sign contracts on their payroll, which is unlikely, or to involve a third team.
That's why Windhorst loves the Bulls more.
"Chicago is a little more logical. They have very good young shooters. If you have made Zach Lavine the centerpiece of an exchange, have you potentially cast a 1st round pick? Now you have to include other players for the money to work, but you would not have the problem of absolute limitation.
Oklahoma City is interested in a reduction in his salary because he is subject to the tax on repeaters and he would be interested in a reduction of the luxury tax in the trade. It would be impossible to do it with the Heat without a third team involved. The Bulls could welcome them this way. "
Zach Lavine's negotiation in the deal would bring in $ 19.5 million on the cap, but it's likely the Bulls will need another contract to move on. Cristiano Felicio and his $ 8,156,500 make a lot of sense. This brings the figure to $ 27,656,500. This makes it more tolerable to absorb Westbrook's contract. Meanwhile, the Thunder are able to lose $ 10.84 million on their paycheck while getting a young shooter and probably a 1st round pick in the process.
The Bulls would then have a fascinating core centered around Westbrook, Lauri Markkannen and Otto Porter Jr. This could make Chicago a serious black horse in the Eastern Conference. Especially if White and Wendell Carter Jr. are able to develop their potential. Westbrook, a star player eight times, was averaged triple-double last year (22.9 points, 10.7 assists, 11.1 rebounds).
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