If the Miami Heat end up acquiring Kevin Durant via trade, a perfect depth candidate may have just become available. Even though Russell Westbrook isn't the player he once was, he could emerge as a good depth pickup for the Heat in the event they desperately need to find backup guard options heading into the start of next season.
After opting out of his contract for next season, Westbrook has decided to test free agency one more time. Even though the market for the 36-year-old point guard could be shallow, Russ clearly didn't love the fit with the Denver Nuggets and will be looking for another opportunity elsewhere.
Of the shortlist of times that could make sense for Russ, the Heat are naturally one that is going to emerge, especially if they end up making a move for KD. If Miami were to acquire KD, they're going to lose a good amount of depth.
There's a scenario that the Heat lose three rotation pieces in hopes of landing KD, and that's even before they figure out the Davion Mitchell (restricted free agency) situation. It may not be as popular a move as it would've been a decade ago, but there could be value in the Heat adding a veteran like Westbrook.
The case for Russ
I'm as bullish on Russ at this point in his career as anyone else, but would there be a chance that he could still emerge as an upgrade over a player like Terry Rozier? If Miami is unable to get out from under Rozier's contract, they could sign a player like Russ to help take some of his theoretical minutes.
And if Miami is all-in on trying to win in the next couple of years, this would be one of those low-risk, high-reward moves. At worst, the Heat could just waive Russ at some point this season, especially if he's signed to a one-year deal, and it would have little impact on the team.
I'm not sure if Russ would be open to it, but perhaps the Heat could work a contract that is not fully guaranteed to help protect the team from this experiment even more. Plus, there's the relationship that KD and Russ already have with each other.
The role for Russ on the Heat could be limited, but there's no question he could add some much-needed depth for the team if they were to make a big splash this offseason. I would say the Heat's potential interest in Russ should be contingent on trading for KD or another big star player, and would merely be a depth play.