Over the last few years, the Miami Heat have been trying to push their way back into NBA Finals contention. Unfortunately, they have come up short of that goal.
Heading into the 2026 NBA offseason, the Heat will attempt to accomplish their goal once again.
Miami is always a team to watch when it comes to available stars. This offseason, the Heat are expected to be one of the teams trying to acquire superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks.
That being said, there is another intriguing impact free agent the team could consider. Russell Westbrook is coming off of an impressive season with the Sacramento Kings and could be an ideal fit for Miami.
Miami Heat Make Sense as Russell Westbrook Suitor
GettyRussell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings in action against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
During the 2025-26 NBA season with the Kings, Westbrook played at a very high level. He was one of the only bright spots in another brutal season for Sacramento.
When all was said and done, Westbrook ended up playing in 64 games and making 58 starts. He averaged 15.2 points per game to go along with 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. Westbrook also shot 42.7 percent from the floor and 33.8 percent from the three-point line.
Even at 37 years old, Westbrook remains a highly productive point guard.
This offseason, the Heat could use some more help in the back-court. Davion Mitchell was the team’s starting point guard this season. He averaged 9.3 points, 6.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and a steal per game in 70 appearances.
Clearly, Westbrook would be an upgrade over Mitchell. The move would also give Miami more depth, as the team could simply move Mitchell to the bench as the backup point guard.
A Quick Look at Russell Westbrook’s Impressive NBA Career
While Westbrook has received some criticism throughout his career, he is still one of the more productive point guards in recent NBA history.
In 1,301 career games and 1,132 career starts, Westbrook has averages of 20.9 points, eight assists, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. He has produced 209 triple-doubles and 539 double-doubles.
Some would argue that Westbrook only had the success that he had with the Kings due to playing on a bad team. There could be some level of truth to that, but he’s still capable of making an impact on a winning team.
Playing under head coach Erik Spoelstra would also fit Westbrook well. Spoelstra has made a career off of putting his players in the best position for them to succeed.
At this point in time, the idea of the Heat pursuing Westbrook is just an idea. Miami might not have any interest in the veteran point guard. But, he would make a lot of sense and he wouldn’t break the bank for the team to sign.
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