Russell Westbrook emerges as Heat’s Plan B amid LeBron James pursuit

Russell Westbrook has become a plausible destination for the Miami Heat after Washington’s free-agency plans changed course on Sunday. NBA insider Jake Fischer named Westbrook as a contingency option if Miami misses out on LeBron James.

Speaking during a Bleacher Report livestream from NBA Summer League in Las Vegas on Sunday, Fischer said Washington’s decision to reacquire Khris Middleton in a six-team sign-and-trade removed Westbrook from the Wizards’ radar. The Wizards had earlier shown interest in bringing back the nine-time All-Star, but Middleton’s return shifted their priorities. “Earlier in the free-agency period, we had heard that there was some interest from the Washington Wizards in Russell Westbrook,” Fischer said.

Westbrook averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 64 games for the Sacramento Kings last season. His veteran-minimum price tag and playoff experience make him a practical fit for Miami’s limited spending power. Fischer noted Westbrook’s fit remains “a bit clunky” alongside Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo due to shooting concerns, but the Heat’s financial constraints could outweigh those issues.

Marc Stein, another NBA insider on the livestream, argued Westbrook could still be in play even if Miami lands James. “If they get LeBron, they’re gonna need two, three more guys with no money to spend,” Stein said. The Heat’s roster construction hinges on James’ decision, which remains unresolved after he was linked to Miami, Cleveland and Philadelphia.

For now, the Heat continue exploring veteran-minimum signings to round out their roster. Westbrook’s availability at a low cost aligns with Pat Riley’s offseason strategy. The Heat’s pursuit of James remains their top priority, but Westbrook’s name keeps surfacing as a Plan B.

The Heat’s Summer League run wraps up this week, leaving little time to finalize contingency plans before training camp.