Russell Westbrook Trade Rumors: 3 direct Chicago Bulls deals

If the Chicago Bulls would be seeking out a deal that more aligns with a player swap only, then sending Denzel Valentine and a future protected lottery pick to the Thunder for a return of Russell Westbrook instead of two future picks makes more sense. In the previous trade deal, I gave the proposal of sending a 2020 unprotected first round pick to the Thunder.

Getting away with just sending Porter Jr. and his roughly $27 million base salary along with Dunn and often-injured former Michigan State Spartans shooting guard Valentine to the Thunder works out nicely. Here Bulls fans would finally get the superstar most so desire and get two other rotational guards off the books.

This player swap does involve sending less of a cap hit to the Thunder than the Bulls would get by landing Westbrook and the other player acquired here. But it is worth it if the Thunder are willing to include the potentially promising young guard Terrance Ferguson too.

Plenty of assets are sent both ways, and the Thunder and Bulls could both be better in the short and long-term because of it. Losing out on Porter Jr., Valentine, Dunn, and a future first round pick is something this front office can deal with. Russ also gives the Bulls the chance to contend immediately in the playoff picture in the East.