NBA Free Agency Roundup: Heat Weigh Westbrook Backup Plan, Lakers Add Sexton, Powell Embraces Bulls Move
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Miami, FL — The Miami Heat are considering Russell Westbrook as an alternative target if their pursuit of LeBron James falls short, league sources told the New York Post. Cleveland, Miami and Philadelphia are still viewed around the NBA as the leading contenders for the four-time MVP.
Westbrook, 35, spent last season with the Sacramento Kings after sharing the backcourt with James during their stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. The former MVP was also linked to the Washington Wizards earlier in the offseason.
Lakers Finalize Collin Sexton Signing
The Los Angeles Lakers have officially signed veteran guard Collin Sexton, completing an agreement reached earlier this month. The 27-year-old joins a retooled roster that already added Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili in the wake of James’s departure.
Sexton averaged 17.5 points in 26 games for the Chicago Bulls after last season’s trade deadline move from Charlotte, shooting 48.2 percent from the floor and 41 percent from three-point range. With the deal in place, Los Angeles has exhausted its offseason spending power but can still explore trades to reshape the roster.
Norman Powell Focused on Present in Chicago
Norman Powell acknowledged the business realities of the NBA while discussing his new contract with the Chicago Bulls, which includes a team option for the second year. The veteran guard said his attention is on helping the Bulls win rather than future negotiations.
“I go into every situation wanting to be here,” Powell said, noting that the league’s new apron rules have prompted teams to favor shorter deals and increased flexibility when building rosters.
Source: Hoops Wire
