Opinion: Trade? Russell Westbrook Would Take This Team To The NBA Finals If He Got Sent There

Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook has been mentioned in many trade rumors lately, and I believe that the Miami Heat should trade for him.

There has not been many people mentioned during the 2022 NBA offseason more than Russell Westbrook. 

The nine-time NBA All-Star opted into the final year of his contract, which will have him on the books for the Los Angeles Lakers at $47.1 million next season. 

Russell Westbrook is opting in to his $47.1 million player option with the Lakers for the 2022-23 season, sources confirm to The Athletic.

The 33-year-old Westbrook averaged 18.5 PPG on 44.4% shooting from the field last season. pic.twitter.com/qtY7jp1Bwm

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) June 28, 2022

The Lakers missed the playoffs last season, and were 33-49 which had them as the 11th seed in the Western Conference. 

The team's struggles have led to endless amounts of rumors that Westbrook could be traded. 

Russell Westbrook and the Lakers seem to be headed toward 'an inevitable divorce,' per @jovanbuha

Splitting with his longtime agent has added to the perception Russ has become more difficult to deal with. pic.twitter.com/jjhORX2yr8

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 18, 2022

I believe that the Miami Heat should trade for Westbrook, and he could help them make the NBA Finals. 

Why The Heat?

The Heat have been to the Eastern Conference Finals in two out of the last three seasons. 

They beat the Boston Celtics to advance to the NBA Finals (where they lost to the Lakers) in 2020, and then this past season they lost to the Celtics in a Game 7 in the Conference Finals. 

Clearly, they are right on the cusp of another trip to the Finals or even an NBA Championship. 

Jimmy Butler signed with them in the summer of 2019, and it has been a match made in heaven. 

One year ago today:

No assets, no cap space but Pat Riley gets it DONE with a sign-and-trade deal for Jimmy Butler.

Jimmy Buckets x Miami Heat 🔥 pic.twitter.com/IJtnrt2I61

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) June 30, 2020

The Heat are known for their outstanding culture. 

Currently, their point guard is six-time NBA All-Star and NBA Champion Kyle Lowry. 

However, Lowry will turn 37-years-old during the 2022-23 NBA season, so he is far from being in his prime. 

In the NBA Playoffs this past season, Lowry dealt with an injury that caused him to miss several games and not be 100%. 

Kyle Lowry, who is out tonight in Game 2, is the first player out going through a light shooting session still working back from a hamstring injury that started in Game 3 against the Hawks in Round 1. Tonight will be his 4th straight game out. #BOSvsMIA #NBA #HEATCulture @wsvn pic.twitter.com/1mEIb277J4

— Josh Moser (@TheMozKnowz) May 19, 2022

On the other hand, Westbrook will turn 34-years-old this season, and he is still explosive and very durable. 

The future Hall of Famer played in 78 out of the 82 games that the Lakers played. 

In addition, his dedication and effort would fit in perfectly in Miami. 

Butler and Westbrook would form one of the most tough backcourts that the league has ever seen. 

Meanwhile, their lack of shooting would be subsidized by all of the shooters on the roster that they already have. 

Trading Lowry and (a few others to meet salary requirements) would be a good move for the Heat, and make them an even better title contender than they already are.