Miami Heat: If the opportunity arises, Russell Westbrook or Beal & Wall?

The Miami Heat landed their big star in Jimmy Butler. If they had the chance to get him another one, who should they choose?

The fallout from the deals that were Kawhi Leonard signing with the L.A. Clippers as they simultaneously landed Paul George from the Oklahoma City Thunder is tremendous. In a domino-like fashion, the pieces are falling off the board for some teams and for some teams like the Miami Heat, they may just be falling into place.

As suspected when the news of Paul George to the Clippers was being initially reported, Russell Westbrook may want to take his talents elsewhere as well. Although it was just speculation for some time, there are reports now that Russell Westbrook and his representation are indeed attempting to figure out their “next steps” with the Oklahoma City Thunder, which could even mean a trade.  Could this be an opening for Pat Riley and the Miami Heat?

It could be, but there is also more talk abound when it comes to further potential moves by the Heat. It has been widely speculated upon since the Moratorium period started that the Miami Heat could have an interest in acquiring Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards. As this would definitely signal a rebuild for the Wizards, there is also speculation that the Heat would probably have to take on John Wall‘s massive contract to make it happen.

With these thoughts in mind, it leads to a very interesting question. If given the opportunity at either deal, which should the Miami Heat go with? If they had the opportunity to land Russell Westbrook or a combination of John Wall/Bradley Beal from the Wizards, which would be the best for the Heat?

The answer here shouldn’t surprise, but maybe it will. Although Russell Westbrook is the out and out best player among the three, quantity does win over quality sometimes. The Miami Heat, if given the opportunity, should definitely choose the Wizards duo over Russell Westbrook.

The most apparent reason goes back to the “quantity over quality” statement made seconds ago. They would be getting two definite All-Star quality starters if they were to ever land Beal and Wall. Although Wall is currently injured, when he is right, he is among the best guards in the NBA.

While Russell Westbrook would certainly make for an electric pairing with Jimmy Butler, he isn’t a deadly marksman from deep. The second reason is that while you would be getting a less accomplished version of what Westbrook ultimately is in John Wall, you would also be getting one of the leagues most potent scorers and premiere shooters in Bradley Beal.

With Jimmy Butler being a capable shooter, but more of a scorer than a shooter, he needs as much space as possible to operate from any and all areas of the court. While Wall would have to tailor his game to the fit a bit more, Beal’s ability to hit the long ball would immediately open things up for the three of them.

While they all are still elite players, the combination of Wall and Beal would be a much greater fit and acquisition than simply acquiring Westbrook alone. If the Miami Heat can get either of those deals done, however, it would be amazing and would certainly vault them up to a premier team in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. When choosing between the two though, Beal and Wall are the much better fit.