Less than 24 hours after news of Paul George’s departure from Oklahoma City broke, the Thunder already reportedly have someone expressing interested in the face of the Thunder franchise, Russell Westbrook.
The Oklahoma City point guard is due to make $38.5 million in 2018-19 and is under contract through 2022-23, when he’s set to make $47 million. He also has a player option for 2022.
As talented a player as Westbrook is, his contract makes him tough to move. However, He’s a walking triple-double who can provide help on the defensive end. It’s not often a player of Westbrook’s caliber is available — though his market will still likely favor the buyers.
It appears the Heat are well aware of his potential, and they are already discussing what he can look like in a Miami uniform, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Jackson has also thrown out a few possible trade scenarios for the Thunder and Heat, with the money in mind.
Former Heat wing (2009-10) Quentin Richardson thinks Miami would be a good fit for the longtime Thunder guard.
Given what teams have cap space, Miami could be the best possible landing spot for Westbrook, giving him a new superstar to team up with in Jimmy Butler. Whether or not they’re the best trading partner for the Thunder remains to be seen.
