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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
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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Mar 20, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives with the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives with the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

1. Chris Paul

Like we talked about with Griffin, the Clippers window may be coming to a close. If the Clippers look to break up the trio, the odd-man out could be the aging veteran Chris Paul. Paul will be looking to capitalize on his remaining seasons by trying to win a championship. That could lead him to the Eastern Conference, where the road to the NBA Finals doesn’t include the Warriors.

If he’s unable to join his buddy LeBron in Cleveland (since, y’know, they have Kyrie Irving) then the Heat could be on the table. Miami has Goran Dragic, but Paul is and probably will be better than Dragic even next summer. He doesn’t have many years left where Dragic could play several seasons after Paul retires, but neither does Riley.

If Riley wants to make one more run, signing Paul and trading Dragic for additional pieces could very well be a way to even the playing field with the Cavaliers in the East.

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