Jimmy Buckets to Miami becomes a reality
The news started to trickle around, but when it was all said and done for the Miami Heat, there was a reported agreement in place. The deal would be for Jimmy Butler to join the Miami Heat, while the Heat would have to work a sign and trade agreement with the Philadelphia 76’ers.
After a few snafu’s, mostly in dealing with the Dallas Mavericks, the Miami Heat were eventually able to work out a situation that not only saw them obtain Butler, but give a disgruntled Hassan Whiteside what he seemed to want as well. Although it also saw the end of Josh Richardson’s tenure with the Miami Heat, a very unfortunate circumstance, the Miami Heat landed Jimmy Butler and Meyers Leonard from the Portland Trail Blazers.
Fast forward to the following Friday, it was time for Kawhi Leonard to make his decision. While he eventually chose the L.A. Clippers, he took Paul George with him, by way of getting George to force his way out of Oklahoma City in the process. This immediately started the Russell Westbrook wanting out talks and rumors.
Russ liked 👀 pic.twitter.com/IoQTSjt5Zm
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 10, 2019
The Heat became a rumored destination. This was to the excitement of some the fans, but to the dismay of others. The rumors eventually led to full-blown reporting, and Russell Westbrook apparently even began to chime in on his own based on a liked social media post.
On Thursday night however, Russell Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets for Chris Paul and multiple draft picks, reuniting Russell Westbrook and James Harden. The reports indicated that the Oklahoma City Thunder were not only asking too much of the Heat in terms of compensation but that they also wanted the Heat to take on another contract and player that hasn’t played in over a year.
... Not only did OKC want valuable young Heat assets, but OKC also asked Heat to take expiring contract of Andre Roberson, who hasn't played in 18 months after patellar tendon injury: https://t.co/chGOawFjMj
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 12, 2019
It would have been right to make the move for Westbrook if Riley felt the price was fair, but it obviously wasn’t. If he didn’t feel that the ask was worth the young players to take on the kind of money due to Westbrook, you can’t really blame him. He made the right call.