The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat are predicted to be among the teams who will pursue Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook as he is set to become a free agent next summer.
Recent reports have emerged that the five-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-Star Game MVP had recently turned down a contract extension offer from the Thunder, which means that he chose to test the free agent waters in 2017.
Westbrook is entering the final year of his five-year, $78.5 million deal with OKC that is set to earn him $17.7 million this coming season. His contract will then expire at the end of 2016-2017 and he will officially become an unrestricted free agent in July of next year.
It would not be a surprise if the 27-year-old spitfire will command interest and huge offers from a lot of NBA squads by then as he is considered as one of the top points guards in the league right now.
One of the teams that reportedly could pursue Westbrook is the Miami Heat, who are just "coming off a disastrous offseason" after losing main man Dwyane Wade, starting small forward Luol Deng, and veteran guard Joe Johnson, as per Inquisitr.
The Heat had always been assertive during free-agency and Pat Riley is also known to pull off blockbuster deals that many thought could never happen.
There are rumors that Riley could offer Westbrook not only a massive multi-year contract but also the keys to the future of the franchise, which means Miami will retool with the former UCLA standout in mind.
Indeed, if he chooses to join the Heat next summer, he will instantly become the alpha as Hassan Whiteside, Goran Dragic, or even Chris Bosh would have to take a step back for the fiery floor general.
Meanwhile, as always, the Lakers are also rumored to contend for Westbrook's signature next summer only because they are the Lakers.
Sportsrageous indicated that the 2008 draft fourth overall selection could be the Lakers' "unnamed trade target" and may even force a deal to bring him to Los Angeles even before next year's free-agency period begins.
The report noted that at this time, the club still has not signed second overall pick Brandon Ingram, which could mean that he might be reserved as a trade bait in a potential Westbrook deal.
