Could Russell Westbrook end up with the Miami Heat? Some chatter from around the league seems to indicate that the former MVP could end up in South Beach.
Westbrook being traded to a franchise where he and the team would work on a buyout looms as a possibility ahead of the deadline and Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report writes that the Heat may be the destination for the point guard should he find himself on the open market.
If Westbrook is bought out, the buzz around the league has him signing with the Miami Heat.
Pincus mentioned the possibility as part of a piece that examined a three-team deal that sends Kyrie Irving to Los Angeles.
Heart of a Deal
The following is legal before December 15, when most recently signed free agents are eligible for trade. The parameters could shift in a month with additional names potentially in play:
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The Lakers trade Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn and two future first-round picks (2027 and 2029).
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The Brooklyn Nets trade Kyrie Irving to the Los Angeles Lakers.
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The Detroit Pistons trade Bojan Bogdanović, Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The talk of Irving heading to the Lakers is nothing new. The talk of Westbrook leaving the Lakers is nothing new. However, the Pistons are an interesting third team in the equation given their place in the standings and Cade Cunningham‘s shin injury. Pincas’ whole piece is worth a read.
More NBA Buzz
- Some around the league view Irving as “toxic” in terms of trading for the point guard, Pincus hears (same article). The point guard recently returned to the Nets’ lineup, though the situation appears far from settled and Irving’s future with the Nets appears as shaky as ever.
- The Suns are checking in on Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer explains. John Collins and/or Jae Crowder could be involved in a larger deal that sends Bogdanovic to Phoenix, though with the wing remaining out, there are many hurdles to cross before any deal can be brought to fruition.
- The Knicks are willing to trade Immanuel Quickley and there are reports that the team wants a first-rounder for the former Kentucky point guard. It’s hard to envision the franchise moving him unless they move away from that sort of demand.
- Cedi Osman has been the subject of trade rumors over the past few seasons and he’s getting an opportunity to see an extended run with Caris LeVert sidelined. “He’s one of those guys where there’s a spirit and an energy that we depend on, and we know the lift he gives us,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “I think Friday night he didn’t play as much, and I think he wanted to show he was going to take advantage of his minutes.”
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Ben Simmons is returning to Philadelphia tonight, though Philadelphia will be without several stars. For those looking to see Simmons facing off against Joel Embiid in South Philly, January 25 is the Nets’ next visit to The Center.
