Why The Miami Heat Do The Trade
You probably already knew this, but this trade is not about landing Russell Westbrook for the Miami Heat.
It’s about landing his expiring contract and a first-round pick. Moreover, it’s about increasing their optionality. They’re getting off of two large contracts in order to potentially chase quality free agents next summer.
They’ll be especially pleased to shed Robinson’s deal. His defensive shortcomings rendered him virtually unplayable in the 2021-22 playoffs. They’ll be content to let that be the Los Angeles Lakers’ problem moving forward.
As for Westbrook, he’ll have to accept a smaller role than he’s ever had in 2022-23 if he lands in South Beach. At the same time, that’s likely true no matter where he lands. It’s hard to name a single team that’ll be content to let him chase triple-doubles at the expense of good basketball after his last couple of seasons.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lakers Unwilling To Use Assets To Trade Russell Westbrook
Maybe they fit him for a sixth-man role. The Heat could plug Tyler Herro into the starting lineup alongside Gabe Vincent at point guard. Either way, this trade is about the near future for the Heat. It’s about the present for the Lakers.