Report: Russell Westbrook and Heat have mutual interest in trade

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Miami Heat have expressed interest in Westbrook, and a move to Miami “appeals” to the Oklahoma City point guard.

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

It’s become quite clear that the Thunder are willing to trade Westbrook in the right deal after Paul George forced his way out of the organization to play for the Los Angeles Clippers.

While Westbrook theoretically has no say in where he goes, it’s clear that the Thunder are also willing to listen to his opinions. The Heat, who have just added Jimmy Butler, would likely have to part with significant assets to make the salaries work. The challenge for them might be draft pick compensation considering they have very few picks remaining after trading them away.

Westbrook is a franchise player who could pair with Butler to make the team an instant contender in the Eastern Conference.