NBA Notes: Russell Westbrook, Mavericks, PJ Washington, Hornets

Free agency

Russell Westbrook is still looking for a team. Five weeks into free agency, the former MVP remains unsigned, and the number of obvious landing spots continues to shrink.

Westbrook posted respectable numbers with the Kings last season, but Sacramento’s struggles did little to improve his market, as written by Cem Yolbulan of Clippers On SI. At 37, he also remains a difficult fit for teams seeking shooting and lineup flexibility.

The Heat have been mentioned as a possibility since losing out on LeBron James. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald and Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel have both indicated that Miami is unlikely to pursue Westbrook.

That makes sense. Pairing another non-shooter with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo would create significant spacing concerns.

A reunion with Kevin Durant in Houston presents similar issues. The Rockets already employ Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, so adding Westbrook would do little to address their need for perimeter shooting.

Teams such as the Warriors, Bulls, Timberwolves and Raptors could theoretically consider him. A return to the Nuggets might also make some basketball sense.

There has been no indication any of those teams are interested.

Westbrook could still land a guaranteed contract before training camp. Injuries and late roster movement tend to create unexpected openings.

Mavericks

The Mavericks’ decision to extend Naji Marshall has raised another question. Namely, what does it mean for P.J. Washington?

Dallas signed Marshall to a three-year, $52.2 million extension after he averaged career highs of 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals last season.

That doesn’t automatically mean Washington is headed elsewhere. It does add to an increasingly crowded group of forwards.

The Mavericks drafted Morez Johnson Jr., traded for Zaccharie Risacher and Santi Aldama, and already have Marshall, Caleb Martin, Klay Thompson and Cooper Flagg capable of filling multiple positions.

Washington is beginning a four-year, $88.7 million contract after appearing in just 56 games last season. He shot 32.5 percent from beyond the arc and has now failed to reach 60 appearances in consecutive seasons.

As Dustin Lewis of Mavericks On SI noted, Washington could carry more trade value than most of the veterans Dallas might realistically move.

That remains analysis, not a report that the Mavericks are shopping him.

Still, Dallas has 16 players on standard contracts and must move or waive someone before the season. With Marshall locked up and the frontcourt getting crowded, Washington’s name will continue to surface.

Hornets

LaMelo Ball is gone. Now the Hornets need to determine who takes over.

Coby White will replace Ball at point guard after arriving at the trade deadline Brandon Miller, however, will be asked to replace him as the franchise centerpiece, as written by Zach Roberts of Hornets on SI.

That puts considerably more pressure on Miller, Roberts noted.

The former No. 2 overall pick averaged approximately 20 points last season despite playing through a shoulder issue. Now entering his fourth year, he’ll be asked to carry more of the scoring load while becoming a better creator for himself and his teammates.

Miller also needs to improve around the rim, an area where he has struggled throughout his young career. White is a more established player. His responsibility will be running the offense and providing steady production.

Miller’s assignment is larger. The Hornets traded their former face of the franchise. In doing so, they effectively handed that title to Miller. Now he has to show he’s ready for it.