NBA News Roundup, Tuesday, July 9th: Russell Westbrook wants to leave Oklahoma City for Miami, Lakers sign veteran guard and more

Free Agents around the league can now officially sign with their new teams, and at this point, the remaining pool of available players is pretty shallow.

However, NBA teams will start to look towards trades over the coming weeks, and a number of major moves could still be in the works. So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for Tuesday, July 9th.

Russell Westbrook open to joining the Miami Heat

Westbrook is believed to open to joining the Miami Heat this summer

Following Paul George's trade to the L.A. Clippers, the Oklahoma City Thunder are also exploring a deal for Russell Westbrook. The 2017 MVP has spent his entire career with the Thunder franchise but doesn't want to waste the remaining prime years of his career on a team that has no chance of contending.

Over the past few days, the Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, and Houston Rockets have all been mentioned as potential destinations, and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting Westbrook has interest in a move to Miami:

The Miami Heat have expressed interest, a potential destination that also appeals to Westbrook, league sources said. Westbrook and his agent, Thad Foucher, have been discussing trade possibilities and scenarios with Presti, and the sides are both motivated to find a resolution sooner rather than later

During his 11-year's with the Thunder, Westbrook has developed into one of the NBA's most dynamic players, making eight All-Star appearances while also averaging a triple-double in three consecutive seasons.

However, the 30-year-old has often been criticized for his team's postseason shortcomings (3 consecutive first-round exits) and Westbrook will be owed a staggering $47 million the season in his age-34 season.

Los Angeles Lakers sign Avery Bradley

Avery spent much of the 18-19 season with the Los Angeles Clippers before his trade to Memphis

After missing out on Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Lakers have moved quickly to sure up their roster. JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo were bought back over the weekend, while the Lakers also managed to recruit Danny Green and DeMarcus Cousins.

However, the Lakers appear intent to further improve their roster and the Los Angeles Times is reporting that Avery Bradley will join the purple and gold on a two-year deal:

The Lakers signed free-agent guard Avery Bradley to a two-year deal for $9.7 million after he cleared waivers Monday, his agent, Bill Duffy of BDA Sports, told The Times.

The deal takes up much of Los Angeles' remaining cap space, although Bradley is an excellent two-way guard. During his time in Boston, Bradley was named to the NBA’s all-defensive team, and the 28-year-old has averaged 12.0 points per game during his nine years in the league.

Kawhi Leonard attempted to recruit Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is heading to the Brooklyn Nets after an ugly breakup from the Boston Celtics

One of the first moves announced during free agency was Kyrie Irving's decision to leave the Celtics for the Nets. The 27-year-old was believed to be keen on a return to the franchise that he supported as a child, and Irving also managed to convince Kevin Durant to join him in Brooklyn.

However, according to a report from ESPN's Zach Lowe, Kawhi Leonard attempted to convince Irving to join him in Los Angeles with the Clippers:

The league's quietest superstar 'found his voice' as one executive put it. He recruited George, Durant and even Kyrie Irving at points, sources say.

While Leonard failed to recruit Irving, the Finals MVP eventually convinced Paul George to request a trade from the Thunder. The Nets and Clippers are now on a potential collision course, with both teams arguably boasting the best duo in each respective conference.