Russell Westbrook Rumors: Heat, Clippers Eyed by PG After Trade to Jazz from Lakers

The Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers are both destinations that would interest Russell Westbrook in the event the Utah Jazz buy him out of his contract, according to The Athletic's Law Murray.

The 2016-17 MVP is heading to Utah as part of a reported three-team trade between the Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. Murray reported he isn't expected to remain in Salt Lake City.

The Heat are unsuccessfully shopping six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

The Clippers, meanwhile, are looking to offload five-time All-Star John Wall, per NBA reporter Marc Stein.

In the case of both teams, Westbrook could provide backcourt depth leading up to the playoffs. He also showed during his time with the Lakers he's willing to come off the bench.

Of course, the questions over his effectiveness remain.

Moving to the second unit in L.A. did little to improve his production or change his style. He's shooting 29.6 percent from the perimeter, has a 28.8 percent usage rate, per Basketball Reference, and ranks last among point guards in ESPN's defensive real plus-minus (minus-5.57).

ESPN's Dave McMemanin offered a damning assessment of Westbrook's impact behind the scenes, reporting that a source told him the Lakers "remove[d] a vampire from the locker room."

The extent to which a team can improve through the buyout market can be exaggerated.

Goran Dragić, for example, was one of the biggest names up for grabs after the 2022 trade deadline. He joined the Brooklyn Nets and averaged 7.3 points and 4.8 assists while shooting 37.6 percent from the field and 24.5 percent from beyond the arc. Adding Dragić changed little for the Nets, who were swept in the first round of the playoffs.

There's likely a good reason a notable veteran was bought out of his contract, and it's typically because he's on his last legs.

Assuming he's bought out, Westbrook will likely be the top star in the buyout market. However, his value on a team with championship aspirations, like the Heat or Clippers, might be limited.