As the Los Angeles Lakers seemingly canvass the NBA for potential trade options, one new possible trade partner has emerged: the Chicago Bulls.
The Lakers have reportedly talked internally about possibly going after star wing DeMar DeRozan and center Nikola Vucevic, a trade package that would necessitate sending out Russell Westbrook in order to make salaries match.
In addition, Los Angeles would almost certainly have to add draft capital to satisfy the other party.
But according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls don’t want Westbrook.
Via Chicago Sun-Times:
“So while the Lakers might be looking to make a big trade and have their eyes on the Bulls’ roster, the feeling isn’t mutual. According to a source, executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas has no interest in acquiring Russell Westbrook and his expiring contract, even if it means adding draft picks.
“Might that change by the trade deadline Feb. 9? With Karnisovas, everything is usually on the table. As of right now, however, the Bulls are still set on monitoring Lonzo Ball and his surgically repaired left knee, with the hope he will return and give them a glimpse of what they will look like whole.”
The Bulls, who had the best record in the Eastern Conference for a period of time last season, are just 11-14 this year. Their struggles have been partly caused by injuries to key players such as Ball.
