Report: Russell Westbrook Eyeing a Move to Miami?

Photo via Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

The NBA Trade Deadline has come and gone. There was a flurry of moves on Thursday, starting with a huge blockbuster trade that landed Kevin Durant in Phoenix. Other teams like the Los Angeles Lakers revamped their roster in hopes of contending. Then, you have the Miami Heat, who had a relatively quiet deadline. Miami’s only move came Wednesday when they shipped Dewayne Dedmon and a second-round pick to San Antonio for cash considerations. The move opened up another roster spot and cleared tax space for Miami to be players in the buyout market.

Westbrook An Option?

With the deadline passed, Miami’s next focus is the buyout market. And they reportedly already have interested from one of the potential buyout candidates. According to Law Murray of The Athletic, Utah Jazz guard Russell Westbrook would be interested in signing with Miami or Los Angeles Clippers if the Utah Jazz were to buy him out of his contract.

As part of the three-team deal involving the Jazz, Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves, the 2016–17 MVP was traded to Utah. He isn’t expected to stay in Salt Lake City, according to Murray. The Heat reportedly tried to trade six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry, who has been struggling this season. However, there was no traction on any deal. There were talks of trading him to the Clippers, but they went elsewhere.

Lowry is out indefinitely with knee injury. There’s also been a report that the relationship between Lowry and the Heat hasn’t been the best. Because of this, Miami could be looking at Westbrook as an option. Westbrook could provide point guard depth for the team. During his time with the Lakers, he has shown a willingness to come off the bench. However, his shooting struggles doesn’t make him an ideal fit in the starting lineup. Teams have until the March 1st Buyout Deadline to waive players.

Westbrook is currently averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game.