With LeBron James weighing a South Beach reunion, the Miami Heat identifies Russell Westbrook as a high-motor backup plan to inject veteran leadership and championship desperation into the backcourt.
MIAMI, Fla. – It’s been nearly two full weeks since free agency opened and LeBron James is still available on the open market. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat are considered frontrunners to sign the league’s all-time leading scorer. A reunion with the franchise that made back-to-back championships (2012 and 2013) a reality makes a ton of sense.
However, what should the Heat do if James signs elsewhere?
According to New York Post’s Stefan Bondy, Russell Westbrook has emerged as a backup option – potentially pursuing one Hall of Famer to another. The nine-time All-Star spent last season with the Sacramento Kings and averaged 15.2 points on 42.7 percent shooting, 5.4 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.3 steals in 64 games.
Westbrook wouldn’t bring efficient outside shooting – 30.8 percent (career) – but the 37-year-old delivers leadership, aggressiveness, ball-handling, and facilitation. Even at an older age, the former MVP can still finish at the rim.
The Heat have three standard roster spots available and nearly $10 million of space before crossing the first apron threshold. Westbrook would likely sign a veteran minimum contract – same cost as any other franchise. Despite all the personal accolades and triple-doubles, he hasn’t won an NBA Championship or returned to the NBA Finals since 2012.
The Heat would provide a great opportunity to change that, but James reunites with the South Florida franchise, then Westbrook seeks a contract elsewhere.
Both future Hall of Famers were teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers for two-and-a-half seasons – 97 games. However, the pairing didn’t translate to success on the court – a 46-51 record.
The Heat are looking for lengthy guards and Westbrook fits the bill. He’s listed at 6-4 and 200 pounds, with a 6-7 wingspan. Despite the lack of outside shooting, Westbrook has other ways of being impactful.
James’ uncertain decision is currently holding up the free agency market. There are still hundreds of players available. James is likely to return to the Eastern Conference following eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers.
There’s no certain timetable for when James will make a decision. However, it’s unlikely to be streamed live on national television this time. James is reportedly not worried about signing a big contract, but rather competing for championships in the limited years he has left in the league.
Westbrook is on a similar quest. However, the decision might not be entirely up to him.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
