D'Angelo Russell could end up being one of the most unlikely potential targets for the Miami Heat over the next few weeks, especially if some of their other wishlist scenarios never emerge.
Even though the Heat don't seem in too much of a rush to put the final touches on their roster, you'd have to imagine that they're going to sign at least two players at some point before the start of training camp. And there's at least some evidence that suggests Russell could be one of the most unexpected free-agent fits.
Even more so if Klay Thompson never wiggles free from the Dallas Mavericks or if DeMar DeRozan chooses to sign elsewhere, there is a scenario where the Heat would almost be forced to consider a player like Russell, who is likely to become a free agent according to recent reporting.
D'Angelo Russell makes sense as a fit for the Heat?
On paper, it may not be that bad of a fit. In fact, Russell does have two traits that fall in line with what the Heat needs.
At this point in his career, it'd be difficult to rely much on Russell as a late-summer addition. However, still at just 30 years old, there's reason to believe that if he can provide anything, it's shooting and playmaking.
That just so happens to be two of the Heat's biggest needs on their roster.
Even if Russell only brings added shooting and playmaking off the bench, that might be enough to warrant him as a worthy addition at this point in the offseason. Sure, there would be very real concerns on the defensive end of the floor when he's in the game, but, again, with the defenders the Heat has on its roster, they could scheme ways around those issues.
Plus, it's not like the Heat would be asking Russell to play a starting role on this team. No, at most, he'd be asked to play 15-20 minutes off the bench, depending on the injury situation. As a specialist, would it be that outrageous to suggest that Russell could emerge as a surprising fit for Miami?
This is not a move that would get the fan base excited, and it may in fact do the opposite. However, from a pure basketball perspective, especially if you take the names out of the equation, Russell's player profile could be exactly what the Heat is forced to resort to if things don't fall in their favor over the next few weeks.
At this point, fans should be prepared for this potential scenario. I wouldn't say Russell landing in Miami is likely, but it shouldn't come as that big of a surprise if it happens, considering how much it could make sense on paper.
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