The Heat appear to still be pursuing Russell Westbrook.
Miami and the Thunder continue to discuss a deal for the 30-year-old star, according to a report from the Miami Herald. The sides, however, have “competing financial interests,” which could hold up a trade, the report says.
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The two teams have talked about “potential combinations of players,” according to the report. Miami is hoping to hold onto center Bam Adebayo and guard Tyler Herro — who it selected with the No. 13 pick in the 2019 draft — the report says.
Westbrook “welcomes the idea” of the Thunder trading him, according to an earlier report from ESPN, and the Heat are a destination that “appeals” to him.
The Thunder seem to be entering a rebuild after sending Paul George to the Clippers last week in exchange for five first-round selections, two pick swaps, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari. Kawhi Leonard then signed a max deal with Los Angeles.
Oklahoma City also traded forward Jerami Grant to the Nuggets earlier this week and received another first-round pick in return.
? COMING SOON TO PEPSI CENTER... #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/WVb2JMpLQQ
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) July 8, 2019
Westbrook was originally selected by the Thunder with the No. 4 pick in the 2008 draft and he has spent all 11 of his NBA seasons with the franchise. He has made eight All-Star teams and averaged 23.0 points over 821 career games.
Westbrook agreed to a five-year, $205 million extension with Oklahoma City in September 2017.
The Thunder finished 2018-19 with a 49-33 record and fell to the Trail Blazers in five games in the first round of the playoffs. The Rockets have also been linked to a potential deal for Westbrook.
The Heat acquired wing Jimmy Butler in a sign-and-trade with the 76ers this summer, as well.