Former NBA big man and current TV analyst Kendrick Perkins says he talked to Russell Westbrook and sees him “in a Miami Heat jersey.”
The Oklahoma City Thunder are widely expected to trade Westbrook before the 2019-20 season starts. Perkins has a close relationship with Westbrook, as the two were teammates on the Thunder back in the day.
“I talked to him and I think I see him in a Miami Heat jersey,” Perkins said, via Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. “That’s where I think he fits best.”
Westbrook has four seasons remaining on his current deal. The former MVP will make $38.51 million next season, $41.36 million in 2020-21, $44.21 million in 2021-22 and $47.06 million in 2022-23.
Even though Westbrook is still one of the best players in the NBA, the Thunder might have a hard time getting equal value in return for him since he's owed a lot of money and is coming off two surgeries. Westbrook had surgery on his left hand to repair a torn ligament in a finger and also had a minor procedure on his right knee after OKC lost to the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 2019 playoffs in five games.
If the Heat are somehow able to acquire Westbrook, they would have two of the most competitive players in the league in Westbrook and four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler, acquired in a sign-and-trade with the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this month.
Heat president Pat Riley loves guys who are super competitive and aren't afraid to get into people's faces. Both Westbrook and Butler fit that bill.
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