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Heat, Spurs, Magic could all benefit from signing former league MVP this summer

Free agency has begun, which means it is one of the most hectic times of the season despite no games being played. 

Some big moves have been made across the league, and they will likely continue to unfold as the offseason continues, but one name sticks out among all who have yet to make a decision.

This former MVP and 30-point-per-game scorer is still unsigned and is awaiting his next contract after declining his latest contract, ultimately deciding to look for a new home. 

Russell Westbrook was one of the most unstoppable forces in the league's history not too long ago, and even averaged a triple-double for three straight seasons for the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

His time on the Denver Nuggets was short-lived, but playing alongside Nikola Jokić revitalized his career as he averaged 13.3 points per game and 6.1 assists per game in a role off the bench. 

Coming into the offseason, his contract allowed him to pick up his $3.4 million player option, but he ultimately declined, allowing him to become a free agent. 

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Westbrook isn’t the type of player who could fit on any team, especially now with his ripe age of 36, so there are only a select few teams he could fit on. 

One of the first teams that could benefit from a player like Westbrook is the Miami Heat. The addition of Norman Powell is great, but besides Tyler Herro, there isn’t a lot of guard play and a veteran like Westbrook could have an impact on an obviously attending Heat team.

The second would be a team like the San Antonio Spurs. Already a team with so much guard depth, but ironically enough, De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle all fit into the non-shooting guard archetype, something Westbrook perfected in his prime. In this case, Westbrook would be chasing that ring in a mentor role.

Lastly, there would be the Orlando Magic. A team that refuses to get an elite true point, and although Russell is far from that now, there are players he again could mentor, but by example. They have built a great trio, and having Westbrook temporarily fill the point guard spot with their other young guards watching could be beneficial.

More NBA: Former LeBron teammate, NBA champion to become assistant coach for Nikola Jokić

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