The Oklahoma City Thunder are now looking to trade Russell Westbrook. With an apparent Miami Heat interest, Westbrook is also interested in them.
Just a few days ago, none of this was even a thought. The Oklahoma City Thunder were seemingly gearing up and retooling their roster for what was to be the second year of the Russell Westbrook–Paul George era. Then the Kawhi Leonard deal happened.
Fast forward several days and the Thunder are apparently looking to ship away their only remaining superstar after seemingly being forced to trade away Paul George to the L.A. Clippers. While many assumed that it would be the case, it has been confirmed over the past day or so that Russell Westbrook is indeed looking for a new home as well, or at least mulling over his “next steps.” This would be wise because the Thunder have seemingly already planned theirs.
Based on conversations among player, agent and team, Oklahoma City for the first time is receptive toward trade calls on franchise star Russell Westbrook, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2019
Almost as soon as that word came down via reports, the speculation started to ramp up big time. From what might happen to which team he may land with, the rumor mill was ablaze.
While there had been rumors of a potential Miami Heat interest floating out there, it was on Saturday that we all got our confirmation. It was in the form of a tweet from Miami based writer Barry Jackson.
Been made clear to us this afternoon that Heat officials absolutely like Westbrook. We'll see where it leads, if anywhere
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 6, 2019
Well, as one side of this Miami Heat rumor-driven equation was coming together, so too was the other side. Although it took several days to finally come to the actual forefront of reality, we have now found out that this interest is mutual. According to newer reports from Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Russell Westbrook is interested in a potential move to Miami as well.
Story filed to ESPN: In aftermath of Paul George’s departure, OKC star Russell Westbrook is welcoming to idea of Sam Presti engineering a trade that would bring an end to his illustrious 11-year Thunder tenure. Miami's expressed interest, a destination that appeals to Westbrook.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 8, 2019
If this is a deal that the Miami Heat can get done in any form or fashion, they must do so. The jury is still out about where this type of move would put them in the NBA Championship pecking order, as it is unclear what a trade like this might cost the Miami Heat, but it would definitely vault them to the top of the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
We here at AUCH have begun to speculate on a few things ourselves. These were potential packages for Russell Westbrook from the Miami Heat, whether Westbrook was worth the gamble, or whether Westbrook or another rumored package of John Wall and Bradley Beal would be the better deal.
Either way you slice it, it looks like it could be a good move from both sides. The Oklahoma City Thunder would dive deeper into a complete rebuild, more expeditiously than casually.
The Miami Heat would in one offseason, where everyone said they were stuck and loaded with unworkable deals, go from being a lower to middling Eastern Conference team to among the Conference’s and League’s elite. Get it done Pat, we are counting on you out here. #HeatCulture.