As the Miami Heat are rumored to be one of the front-runners to sign LeBron James in NBA free agency, the team is reportedly considering a union with guard Russell Westbrook, but under one condition.
The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy reports that Westbrook is a “candidate” to sign with the Heat, but only if they don’t sign James.
“According to a league source, Russell Westbrook is a candidate to join the Heat but not if LeBron signs in Miami,” Bondy wrote.
The reason likely has to do with a reported rift between Westbrook and James during their days with the Los Angeles Lakers and chances are they aren’t interested in a reunion.
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James and Westbrook were teammates for a season-plus in Los Angeles, but the pair did not have any success during the latter’s brief and disappointing stint with the Lakers.
In their lone full season together in 2021-22, the Lakers went 33-49 and missed the playoffs. Los Angeles went on to trade Westbrook to the Utah Jazz during the following season.
Why Russell Westbrook makes sense for Miami
The Miami Heat recently added Giannis Antetokoumpo in a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks, but there are still needs to address.
More specifically, the Heat need another point guard outside of Davion Mitchell and could use more scoring punch overall after losing Norman Powell in free agency.
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Westbrook can still check both of those boxes even though he isn’t the same player he once was as he prepares to turn 38 in November.
Westbrook tallied 15.2 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game for the Sacramento Kings in 2025-26 and remains an above-average ball-handler and scorer.
What’s the latest on LeBron James?
James remains the most high-profile free agent left on the open market.
Bondy notes that the Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers are the favorites to sign him.
After trading for Giannis, the Heat are up against it when it comes to the salary cap.
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Miami can offer James a contract worth about $7 million, which would leave the team $3.5 million below the first apron. That’s just enough money to add another veteran.
However, in the event James signs in Miami, it’s clear that veteran won’t be Westbrook.
