Bulls Have Reportedly Had Conversations With Patrick Beverley’s Camp

Russell Westbrook isn’t the only point guard the Chicago Bulls are rumored to have their eye on.

According to NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson, the Bulls have already reached out to the recently-traded Patrick Beverley. The veteran point guard found his way to the Orlando Magic in the Lakers deal for Mo Bamba and reached a buyout with the franchise this past weekend.

“Patrick Beverley’s camp and the Bulls also have had conversations, a source said, after the Marshall High product reached agreement on a buyout from the Orlando Magic,” Johnson wrote.

With Lonzo Ball still sidelined indefinitely, the Bulls have developed a clear need for experience at the point guard position. While Goran Dragic initially looked to be that option, his minutes and production have dwindled since a productive start to the season.

Much like Westbrook, however, Beverley doesn’t come without his flaws. The 34-year-old is a relatively limited scorer who has never been much of a true facilitator. Expecting him to fill the role of a consistent distributor around their three All-Stars is likely expecting too much. Having said that, he is a famously hard-nosed defender whose energy and activity could undoubtedly help this group play with a greater sense of urgency. He’s carved himself out an 11-year career thanks, in large part, to his relentless ball pressure.

Beverley, the Chicago native, would also provide at least a decent 3-point shot. While he’s also never been a high-volume threat, he has shot 37.6 percent on 4.1 attempts from downtown over his career. For a Bulls team with a significant lack of reliable 3-point shooters, even Beverley’s jumper could provide some needed relief.

The biggest question when talking about these buyout candidates is always this: Would they have any interest in Chicago? While a journey home may entice Beverley, I have to imagine the chance to play for a true contender could outweigh that desire. The Athletic’s Law Murray did suggest that Beverley could be a name for the Clippers to take a look at (like Westbrook), while we’ve also heard that the Timberwolves could have some interest in a Beverley reunion (although, that’s also been rebuffed).

Regardless, as someone with 65 games of playoff experience under his belt and an in-your-face mentality that can lure teams in need of a defensive boost before the playoffs, I’m assuming there will be plenty of interest in Beverley.