sportingnews
The Miami Heat's blockbuster acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in June, which cost them Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, and three first-round picks, instantly elevated the franchise's championship aspirations. However, the supporting cast around the two-time MVP remains a work in progress, prompting the front office to explore a range of experienced free agents.
Among the names linked to Miami are Russell Westbrook, Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, Bradley Beal, D'Angelo Russell, and Nick Richards. An anonymous NBA scout, speaking to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, offered a blunt assessment of each player's potential fit with the Heat, and the reviews were decidedly mixed.
Scout's Verdict on Thompson and Westbrook
Thompson, a four-time champion and one of Stephen Curry's most celebrated teammates, received a measured evaluation. At 36, he posted career lows of 11.7 points per game and a 39.3% field goal percentage during his lone season with the Dallas Mavericks. With one year and roughly $17.5 million left on his contract, he is a likely buyout candidate. The scout acknowledged Thompson's decline but stopped short of writing him off entirely, noting, "He's not the defender he used to be. He can't create his own shot, but he can still make shots. On a given night, he'll get you 17 points, maybe. I don't think it's going to be as regular, but I don't think you should have high expectations. But he's not through completely. You don't stick a fork in him yet."
In stark contrast, Westbrook drew the scout's harshest criticism. Averaging 15.2 points and 6.7 assists for the Sacramento Kings last season while shooting 33.8% from three-point range, the 38-year-old (by the start of the 2026-27 season) has only the Houston Rockets as a reported suitor, with overseas options also mentioned. The scout was unequivocal: "I wouldn't touch him in a million years. He can't shoot. He plays his own way. He doesn't really defend."
DeRozan Stands Out as Best Option
DeRozan, also 36, received the most favorable assessment. After averaging 18.4 points on 49.7% shooting following a buyout from Sacramento, he has attracted significant interest, with Miami reportedly among the suitors. The scout praised his remaining ability, stating, "He's got more left than Klay. As a sixth man, he's a cut above Thompson, for sure." However, the scout's only concern was fit, as DeRozan has come off the bench just 12 times in his career, all during his rookie season in 2009-10. This fit question extends to other targets, as adding a player who needs the ball alongside Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo could create spacing issues.
Bradley Beal, who appeared in only six games for the Los Angeles Clippers before undergoing surgery and averaged 8.2 points on 37.5% shooting, was labeled a "total crapshoot." D'Angelo Russell ranked above both Beal and Westbrook in the scout's pecking order, though his defensive limitations were flagged.
Collectively, these evaluations suggest that the Heat must prioritize fit over reputation as they finalize their roster. Both Thompson and DeRozan offer offensive value, but the potential spacing concerns with Antetokounmpo and Adebayo require careful consideration before any deal is struck. The scout's insights underscore the challenges Miami faces in building a championship-caliber supporting cast around their new superstar.
Originally reported by sportingnews.