Miami Heat: What does Westbrook's extension mean for 2017?

What does Russell Westbrook’s extension mean for the Miami Heat?

May 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter in game four of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) defends against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Gordon Hayward

He isn’t a big name, likely because he’s played in Utah his entire career, but Hayward is a very good NBA player. Capable of playing both the 3 and 4, handle the ball, initiate offense, shoot from anywhere and defend at a high level, Hayward is a suma cumlaude graduate of Shane Battier University.

Check out his averages: 19.7 points, 5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 steals in 36.2 minutes per game while shooting 43.3 percent and 34.9 percent on three’s.

A Dragic-Richardson-Hayward-Winslow-Whiteside lineup has a lot of small-ball promise. It gives Miami four ball handlers to space the floor around Whiteside’s dominating presence in the paint, and could make for a very intriguing, versatile and fun team.

However, the Jazz seem to be on the rise, and are in position to build something lasting in Utah. Given their length, speed and size, they seem like a potential antidote to what the Warriors are doing. Hayward may not have much incentive to leave next summer.

Next: Chris Paul

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