Jimmy Hoops (DR) / NBA (DR)
In the soft underbelly of a damn high Eastern Conference, the Heat is struggling to find a place among the contenders. The free arrival of Russell Westbrook could help them, as well as that of another recruit who would allow the formation of a huge lineup!
By placing Kyle Lowry on the transfer list as the trade deadline approached, the executives clearly recognized that this experiment had not worked. Promising on paper, the addition of the veteran point guard to an already solid workforce did not allow the Heat to be a hit at the start of the season. Currently 7th in the East (32-27), the franchise therefore intends to be active on the buyout market.
Quite logically, the Florida front office is looking for a top leader likely to take the place of Lowry in its five major. The fact that they spoke with representatives of Russell Westbrook, along with 4 other teams, is therefore not surprising. Placed in this file, Miami would also be placed in that of another big fish soon to be freed, namely… Kevin Love:
The Cavaliers & Kevin Love are finalizing a contract buyout, with the Miami Heat expected to emerge as a suitor.
(via @ShamsCharania)
— ???????????????? ???????????????????????? (@HeatvsHaters) February 16, 2023
According to Shams Charania, the Cavaliers and Kevin Love are currently finalizing a buyout of his contract, while the Miami Heat should position themselves on the inside.
Visibly tempted by the fleeing big man profile of K-Love, South Beach appears for the time being as its only suitor. What suggest that they hold the rope to welcome it, and that they could thus seduce a little more Westbrook.
The Heat’s massive lineup with Westbrook and Love
Former teammates in the ranks of UCLA, Russ and Love have never had the opportunity to evolve together in the league. This prospect should in any case make them salivate, and possibly push them to join the Heat. Erik Spoelstra could then put together the following five:
Add to that second knives such as Lowry, Victor Oladipo, Caleb Martin, Max Strus or Gabe Vincent, and you get an explosive cocktail that would have something to freak out the competition!
By recruiting Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love at low cost, the Heat would offer themselves solid assets to aim for the title again. Significant bonus: convincing one of the two men would have the effect of facilitating negotiations with the other in view of their friendship!