This Heat-Lakers Trade Features Kyle Lowry, Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook, Kyle Lowry, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network
Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA
NBA Analysis Network

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.

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James Piercey

James Piercey

When it comes to exploring the endless possibilities of NBA trades, there's no one quite like James Piercey. With a keen eye for player dynamics, salary cap intricacies, and a knack for discovering uncharted trade territory, James has risen to prominence as the preeminent expert in the realm of hypothetical NBA trades. James is also known for his work covering the Houston Rockets for SB Nation's The Dream Shake — a blog that gives a daily, comprehensive look at the team. He has written for various outlets, including FanSided and Last Word on Sports, among others.

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