Heat could be Russell Westbrook’s next team

There may not be a team in the NBA that needs to trade more than the Los Angeles Lakers. They are wasting an MVP season of Anthony Davis and another year of LeBron James’ career due to poor roster management. The team even receives positive contributions from Russell Westbrook, who has taken on his new role well since coming off the bench.

Given how well he’s played this season, it seems increasingly unlikely that the Lakers will make a trade with Westbrook. Instead, they’re trying to build a pack around Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn with a future first-round pick with protection on it.

However, there are still some concerns about how well Westbrook can fit in alongside James, especially in a playoff setting. With the game slowing down and rotations tightening in the postseason, can Westbrook thrive in the same way as he is now alongside James?

That’s a legitimate concern, which leaves the door ajar when it comes to a Westbrook trade. Los Angeles can’t rule anything out, as a lot could change between now and the February trade deadline. For example, if an All-Star player becomes available and the Lakers can use Westbrook’s salary to match money in a deal, they would seriously consider making such a move.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook. Los Angeles Lakers & Miami Heat Updates

Should that sort of trade take place, chances are Westbrook would hit free agency as a buyout candidate. During the off-season, any trading scenario involving the Lakers with Westbrook ended when he was bought out. Should that be the case, a team has emerged to keep an eye on as his next landing site; the Miami Heat.

Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus shared that update on the Heat, who are having an unusually rough time this season. They rank eighth in the Eastern Conference with a 15-15 record while struggling offensively.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook. Los Angeles Lakers & Miami Heat Updates

The Heat is currently ranked 27th in the NBA in terms of offensive rating, undoing all the good work they’ve done defensively, where they are seventh. Westbrook would be a boost in that regard, giving the Heat’s underwhelming second unit a huge boost and providing insurance in case Kyle Lowry suffers another injury.