Heat predicted to sign $349M former MVP, nine-time All-Star to join Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Miami Heat made the biggest move of the offseason by acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo and immediately changing the outlook of their roster. However, since that blockbuster move, things have been relatively quiet for Miami, which is still looking to add more pieces around its new superstar.

The Heat have been surveying the market for veteran options who can complement Bam Adebayo and Antetokounmpo. Miami has been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Klay Thompson, either through a trade or a possible buyout.

“My understanding is that Thompson would welcome a return to Los Angeles, where he spent part of his childhood and still owns a home. The Miami Heat are another team frequently mentioned in NBA circles as a potential landing spot for the future Hall of Famer," The Athletic's Christian Clark wrote.

Miami has also been connected to other experienced players who are still searching for their next opportunity. Bradley Beal and DeMar DeRozan are two veterans the Heat have reportedly shown interest in.

“Among the free agents currently available who the Heat has already shown some level of interest in are veteran guard Bradley Beal and veteran forward DeMar DeRozan," Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang wrote. "The Heat has had discussions with the representatives for both players, according to league sources."

While those are two talented options Miami should continue exploring, SI’s Blake Silverman believes the Heat could ultimately target another veteran guard in Russell Westbrook.

“The other glaring need of the new-look Miami roster is three-point shooting after Tyler Herro was included in the big trade and Norman Powell went to the Bulls in free agency. Westbrook doesn’t help in that sense, but he’d help address one of the team’s biggest weaknesses on paper as a playmaker off the bench for Miami’s new superstar duo of Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. In a suddenly stacked Eastern Conference, the Heat must add impactful rotation players on veteran minimum deals and Westbrook fits the bill,” Silverman wrote.

Westbrook would not solve Miami’s shooting concerns, but he would provide something the Heat desperately need: playmaking. He could help create opportunities for Adebayo and Antetokounmpo while taking on a role that could benefit him more than the one he has held in recent seasons.

Westbrook has earned $349 million in contracts throughout his NBA career. A former MVP potentially joining forces with another former MVP could provide the Heat with a unique veteran presence. While Miami is not currently viewed as the favorite landing spot for Westbrook, it could be an intriguing fit if the opportunity becomes available.

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