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Newly acquired Utah Jazz veteran point guard Russell Westbrook is widely expected to be bought out by the Jazz.
Westbrook has reportedly been permitted by Utah to talk with potential suitors ahead of his buyout, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat and the LA Clippers are teams that have been listed as possible destinations for the veteran.
However, according to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, the Heat have been doing some background research on Westbrook. This has led the franchise to receive some concerning feedback regarding the former MVP.
“Beyond the (Kevin) Love interest (and at least one of the California teams has interest too), Heat also has been gathering intel on Westbrook, soliciting input from people they trust who have worked with him,” Jackson initially reported.
“As for Westbrook, input solicited during Heat due diligence has been — shall we say — mixed,” Jackson followed up.
He then confirmed in an additional tweet that the negative input the Heat have received is from people who have worked directly with Westbrook.
“Correct. They have solicited input from those they trust, who have worked with Westbrook. That input has not been an overwhelming endorsement,” Jackson reported.
This falls in line with a recent report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania, who reported that Westbrook is receiving limited interest around the league.
“When you look at teams around the league, there’s not a spot for Russell Westbrook. It’s a slow-moving market, and we’ll see if he'll be able to find a home,” Charania reported on FanDuel TV.
Most would agree that Russell Westbrook was still fairly productive in 52 games with the LA Lakers this season. He averaged 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.0 steals per game on 41.7% shooting.
Westbrook, however, is known for his erratic style of play (3.5 turnovers per game) and inability to shoot 3-pointers (29.7%). With recent reports concerning his attitude added to the mix, it looks like contending teams may steer clear of the former star.
Miami Heat prioritizing big men over guards like Russell Westbrook
The Miami Heat seem hesitant to sign Russell Westbrook given all the question marks surrounding him. According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman, the Heat are now prioritizing signing a big man over a guard.
“Have been told Heat are prioritizing something big over Westbrook or (Patrick) Beverley, after examining those options. So (Kevin) Love or (Serge) Ibaka appear to be priorities. As of now,” Winderman reported.
The Heat (32-27, seventh in the East) rank just 26th in team rebounding (41.4 rebounds per game) and are dead last in blocks (3.0 blocks per game). It appears that a reliable traditional big man who can back up All-Star big man Bam Adebayo is Miami’s biggest need.
So all things considered, it seems like Westbrook joining the Heat is becoming increasingly unlikely.
