Photo: Sacramento Kings/YouTube

Russell Westbrook could become a free-agent option for the Miami Heat, but only if LeBron James does not choose to join the franchise, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. The Heat are among the teams monitoring the veteran guard market while waiting for James’ decision on his next team.

“Everybody is awaiting The Decision 2.0 from LeBron James — including another future Hall of Famer on the market,” Bondy reported. “According to a league source, Russell Westbrook is a candidate to join the Heat but not if LeBron signs in Miami.”

Westbrook, 37, remains available after averaging 15.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 64 games for the Sacramento Kings during the 2025-26 season. He started 58 games while playing 29.0 minutes per night, shooting 42.7% from the field, 33.8% from three-point range and 69.4% from the free-throw line.

The former MVP’s role has changed significantly from his peak seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook averaged a career-high 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game in 2016-17, winning MVP honors, but his recent seasons have focused more on playmaking, rebounding and veteran leadership.

Miami’s interest comes after a major offseason transformation centered around Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat acquired Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster deal that sent Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 pick and future draft assets to Milwaukee.

The Heat finished the 2025-26 regular season 43-39, earning the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference and a Play-In Tournament spot. Their roster now features Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo as the foundation, with Miami prioritizing shooting and veteran depth around its two stars.

Adding Westbrook would give Miami another experienced ball-handler after the team moved on from Herro and lost All-Star guard Norman Powell, who signed a two-year, $45 million deal with the Chicago Bulls. The Heat retained Davion Mitchell, who averaged 9.3 points and 6.5 assists while shooting 39.5% from three in 70 games last season.

However, Westbrook’s fit would depend on Miami’s final roster construction. The Heat have emphasized perimeter spacing around Antetokounmpo and Adebayo, and Westbrook’s career three-point percentage stands at 30.8% over 1,301 games.

The possibility of Westbrook joining Miami is also tied directly to James’ future. James, who averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025-26, has drawn interest from multiple contenders after deciding to continue his career elsewhere following eight seasons in Los Angeles.