NBA Roundup: Bulls Lean Toward Isaac Okoro, Thunder Sign Dariq Whitehead, Kings Draw Heavy Scout Interest
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Bulls
Chicago appears to have settled on a fifth starter. Head coach Billy Donovan said he is “comfortable” deploying Isaac Okoro against an opponent’s top perimeter threat, positioning the 23-year-old wing alongside Josh Giddey, Coby White, rookie Matas Buzelis, and center Nikola Vučević. Donovan noted that playing time could fluctuate based on matchups over the 82-game schedule but confirmed Okoro has emerged as the leading option after preseason evaluations.
Earlier this week, the Chicago Tribune listed Kevin Huerter, Ayo Dosunmu, and Tre Jones as additional contenders for the role, yet Donovan’s latest comments indicate Okoro has the inside track as opening night approaches.
Thunder
Oklahoma City has added former Duke standout Dariq Whitehead just four days after the Brooklyn Nets waived him. The 21-year-old guard/forward, selected in the first round of the 2023 draft, has been hampered by multiple surgeries on both legs and has appeared in only 22 NBA games.
Whitehead’s new agreement is believed to be an Exhibit 10 contract, enabling him to join the G League’s OKC Blue and earn a bonus of up to $85,300 if he remains with the affiliate for 60 days. To clear a roster spot, the Thunder released forward Cameron Brown, who is expected to rejoin the Blue after spending last season with the club.
Kings
Russell Westbrook is officially on Sacramento’s roster, but league observers are paying closer attention to potential moves around him. According to The Athletic, a large contingent of rival scouts has attended Kings preseason games in anticipation that the club could become a seller before the trade deadline.
The report also revealed details of head coach Doug Christie’s new contract: two guaranteed seasons with a team option for a third year, starting at roughly $2 million annually and escalating if the option is picked up. Separately, HoopsHype noted that Westbrook’s one-year deal is non-guaranteed.
Newly hired general manager Scott Perry referred to Westbrook as “the identity we’re striving for,” but Sacramento’s direction could hinge on its performance leading into February.
Source: Hoops Wire
