NBA Rumors: Jazz, Russell Westbrook, Heat, Kevin Love, Bulls

Jazz

Guard Russell Westbrook intends to take his time on his next destination should he agree to a contract buyout with the Jazz, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

As we relayed here, Westbrook will be talking with the Clippers, with the Heat, Wizards and Bulls also said to be in the mix. The possibility exists that he could remain with the Jazz, as we relayed here and Stein also reported.

“The Jazz have blessed Westbrook, who is averaging 15.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game this season, to take his time deciding if he wants to become a free agent or finish out the season in Utah,” Stein wrote.

• Westbrook has met with Jazz executives, though he has not been around the team, per Alex Vejar of the Salt Lake Tribune. Recently, the injury report has listed “trade pending” and “not with team” as reasons Westbrook has not played since the trade with the Lakers.

Heat

• The Heat are prioritizing power forward Kevin Love and forward/center Serge Ibaka over Westbrook when it comes to potential signings, per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
• Love is reportedly working on a buyout with the Cavaliers (related Dribbles), while Ibaka was waived by the Pacers last week. But as Winderman noted, the Heat only seem to be leaning toward adding another big man “as of now.”
• The Heat have an open roster spot and sources told Hoops Wire they are more focused on adding perimeter shooting.

Bulls

• Along with Westbrook, the Bulls are in talks with guards Patrick Beverley and John Wall, per K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
• The Bulls will have to waive a player to open a roster spot, and that player could be guard Goran Dragic, per Johnson.
• Wall may be viewed as a player who could help the Bulls in transition, per James Herbert of CBS Sports.