RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesGiannis Antetokounmpo #7 of the Miami Heat speaks to the media during an introductory press conference at Kaseya Center on July 16, 2026 in Miami, Florida. Getty
The Miami Heat gutted a lot of their roster depth in their relentless pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Beyond surrendering Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis in the trade, the Heat were forced to let All-Star guard Norman Powell leave due to salary-cap constraints. Consequently, Miami enters next season without a reliable primary ball-handler. While Giannis Antetokounmpo has excelled as a point-forward—averaging at least 6.5 assists in two of the last three seasons—he remains an untraditional floor general. Facing late-game blitzes and wall defenses, the “Greek Freak” urgently needs a secondary playmaker to share the burden.
Enter Russell Westbrook, the former MVP and 9-time All-Star who remains unsigned.
Should Miami Heat Sign Russell Westbrook?
Sports Illustrated’s Blake Silverman has made the argument that Westbrook and the Heat would be a natural fit.
“Many top teams are set in the backcourt, but the Heat need depth, specifically at guard, after trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo,” he wrote.
The writer argued that although Westbrook won’t help the Heat solve their perimeter shooting issues, he’d help set up other shooters with his elite dribble-penetration.
“The other glaring need of the new-look Miami roster is three-point shooting after Tyler Herro was included in the big trade and Norman Powell went to the Bulls in free agency. Westbrook doesn’t help in that sense, but he’d help address one of the team’s biggest weaknesses on paper as a playmaker off the bench for Miami’s new superstar duo of Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
“In a suddenly stacked Eastern Conference, the Heat must add impactful rotation players on veteran minimum deals and Westbrook fits the bill,” he added.
Miami Heat Warned About Westbrook
The Heat have reportedly toyed with the idea of bringing in Russell Westbrook, but they’ve been advised against signing the journeyman guard, who has played for six different franchises over the last seven seasons.
According to Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra was warned about possibly bringing Westbrook to South Beach.
“An NBA source who has relationships with Erik Spoelstra and other coaches said that a coach that Spoelstra trusts told him that he advised the Heat not to sign Westbrook, asserting that he’s difficult to coach,” a report indicated in late July.
Ultimately, the Heat may have no choice but to take the gamble. Westbrook’s relentless hustle, pace, rebounding and veteran leadership could give their top-heavy roster the spark it desperately needs.
Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings reportedly remain interested in bringing Westbrook back to serve as a mentor for their rookie point guard, Darius Acuff Jr.
“The Kings, his most recent team, remain open to a reunion, team sources said, but are also understanding that Westbrook might not be as interested in playing a reduced role behind prized rookie Darius Acuff Jr.,” ESPN’s Anthony Slater wrote last week.
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