Heat's backup plan for recruitment exposed! Westbrook enters the shortlist: If they can't sign James, they'll pursue him.

On July 13, Beijing time, after acquiring Antetokounmpo, the Heat's core operational goal has always been to recruit James. Riley is still waiting for the four-time MVP to make a final decision, but Miami has quietly prepared a contingency plan in case James ultimately signs with another team. According to New York Post reporter Stephen Bondy, League sources reveal that Westbrook has entered the Heat's backup recruitment list—provided James declines to join Miami.

The report states that if the Heat's pursuit of James falls through, Westbrook will join DeRozan as one of the team's veteran backup targets.

The Heat are preparing multiple recruitment routes.

Among James' preferred destinations, the Heat, Cavaliers, and Philadelphia 76ers have consistently ranked high. However, the Heat have no intention of sitting idly and waiting for James' decision.

Earlier this week, ESPN insider Windhorst revealed that if James moves to another team, DeRozan is a very realistic replacement. Now Bondy's report also includes Westbrook in the same backup plan.

There is one key difference between the two: Bondy indicates that Westbrook is a standalone replacement for James, not a player to pair with him.

Why Westbrook fits the Heat's needs

In just a few weeks, the Heat's backcourt has faced numerous personnel vacancies. In a previous blockbuster trade, Miami sent All-Star Tyler Herro to the Bucks in exchange for two-time MVP Antetokounmpo. At the same time, the team failed to retain Powell: The Antetokounmpo trade significantly compressed Miami's salary cap, and Powell ultimately signed a two-year, $45 million contract with the Bulls.

Even after signing Tim Hardaway Jr., the Heat still have at least two open roster spots, with approximately $10.5 million in salary cap space below the first luxury tax apron, enough to sign another veteran.

Westbrook precisely addresses two of the Heat's weaknesses: a secondary ball-handler and playmaking ability.

Last season, Westbrook played for the Kings in 64 games, averaging 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. His efficiency has declined, with a 42.7% field goal percentage and 3.3 turnovers per game, but he still provides pace, rebounding, and veteran leadership.

Additionally, he and another backup target, DeRozan, played together for the Kings last season and are already familiar with each other. If James doesn't come, the Heat can immediately deploy this veteran backcourt combination with established chemistry.

All plans depend on James' choice.

At this stage, the Heat's entire offseason strategy remains centered around James.

The partnership between Westbrook and James during their time with the Lakers was less than satisfactory, which is why the media categorizes them as an either-or option rather than a pairing—the Lakers' dual-MVP backcourt experiment ultimately failed, and Westbrook was subsequently traded.

Meanwhile, other teams have also shown interest in Westbrook. Reporter Fisher previously revealed that the Wizards are interested in bringing back their former player. However, during a Bleacher Report livestream, he indicated that after the Wizards reacquired Middleton, the likelihood of re-signing Westbrook has significantly decreased.

As a result, the Heat have a clear backup plan in place. Whether Riley ultimately succeeds in signing James or turns to veteran playmakers like DeRozan or Westbrook, the Heat intend to add an experienced ball-handler to pair with Antetokounmpo before training camp begins.

The team's recruitment priorities are very clear—all other moves depend entirely on James' final decision.