In an already bad free-agent class, the options for the Miami Heat are getting scarcer by the day.
However, in the aftermath of acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat are aiming to reacquire LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, over a dozen years after winning two titles with them, his most with any single team.
While the Heat’s offseason is already a success after acquiring Antetokounmpo, the rest of it will be affected by James’ decision, which has no timetable.
One shoe that could drop, depending on James’ decision, could be one of his former teammates, Russell Westbrook. And one team that could have interest in the 37-year-old’s services is the Miami Heat, according to the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy.
“Everybody is awaiting The Decision 2.0 from LeBron James, including another future Hall of Famer on the market,” Bondy wrote. According to a league source, Russell Westbrook is a candidate to join the Heat, but not if LeBron signs in Miami.”
The two-time scoring champion joining the team that James is not surprising in the slightest. James’ rift with the Lakers reportedly stemmed from the start of the Westbrook era in Los Angeles. And their relationship deteriorated from there.
Analyzing Russell Westbrook’s fit with the Miami Heat:
Miami has been linked to Westbrook dating back to the 2019 offseason — after the organization acquired Jimmy Butler.
Westbrook is far worse than he was then. Last year with the Sacramento Kings, the 18-year veteran averaged 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He shot 42.7 percent from the floor and 33.8 percent from 3-point range.
The one aspect of Westbrook’s game that you can never question is his effort; his motor is a 12 out of 10 at all times. However, Westbrook’s production came on an oft-injured, tanking Sacramento Kings squad. He’s not a winning basketball player at this stage of his career.
Still, he’s likely one of the better ball-handling options available on the open market. Miami, which desperately needs ballhandling and shot creation, has three roster spots available and is less than $11 million away from the first apron hard cap. At this stage of free agency, Westbrook for the minimum isn’t the worst idea, but certainly one I would be overly thrilled with.
***
To check out our other content, click here.
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Twitter/X here!
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Instagram here!
Check out Hot Hot Hoops on Facebook here!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!
- Heat emerge as possible landing spot for this veteran guard if they don’t land LeBron James
- The Miami Heat have this 1 key advantage in LeBron James sweepstakes
- Heat reportedly grew frustrated of this 1 major Tyler Herro flaw
- Multiple former Heat players had resentment over Bam Adebayo becoming “chosen one”
- Are the Miami Heat in the lead for LeBron James?
- 2026 Las Vegas Summer League GameThread: Miami Heat (1-0) v. Orlando Magic (0-1)
- Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo get into physical altercation amid social media comments
League source = Westbrook himself (?). Never been a winning player because he got stats at the expense of defense. His teams had to play 4 v 5 on defense with him. Sacramento got out of Westbrook defense experience but now has the same thing with Acuff
Per Google/AI:
Russell Westbrook is generally considered an inconsistent defender whose defensive impact rarely matches his elite physical tools. While he possesses exceptional strength, speed, and athleticism that allow him to be a lockdown defender in flashes, his career is largely defined by defensive lapses, gambling for steals, and losing his man to chase rebounds.
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
He possesses a career Defensive Rating of 107.6, but the consensus among analysts and fans is that he never reached his full defensive potential.
Can Westbrook work out with Miami?
Westbrook could prove very valuable if he fully understands what is expected from him. No gambling, no cheating, consistent effort, run, pass rebound and score when open. No need for heroics. He just needs to play within himself without taking too many risks. If he can do that consistently he can get playing time and possibly help Miami win a title. If he can’t play according to the team’s requirements, he will be stuck on the bench.
Really?
I hope this is just a bad take.