While players like Kyrie Irving and Fred VanVleet may get a lot of attention for guards, one-time MVP Russell Westbrook is a major under-the-radar option on the NBA free agency 2023 market.

Russell Westbrook’s 2022-2023 campaign was very much a tale of two Los Angeles stories. Over the first few months, he seemed to be a square peg in the round hole that was the Los Angeles Lakers organization. Despite a new head coach in his second season with the team, and attempting to be a sixth man, Westbrook remained a poor fit for the current Lakers roster.

That is why after months of speculation, the team finally pulled the trigger and shipped him off to Utah in one of February’s biggest trades. However, the nine-time All-Star didn’t play a minute for the Jazz and instead was cut loose and tested the open market. Where after a week he chose to go to the other LA team, the Clippers.

• Russell Westbrook stats (’22-’23): 15.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 7.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 31% 3PT

While his numbers for the Lakers and Clippers were similar, his efficiency skyrocketed with his second team as head coach Ty Lue let him play to his strengths instead of trying to fit into a specific style. When their top players — Kawhi Leonard and Paul George — went down with injuries before and during the playoffs, the 34-year-old was the only thing that kept them competitive in their series against the Phoenix Suns.

After a strong showing the with Clippers, Russell Westbrook now heads into NBA free agency with his value improved and looking for one last big contract in the final years of his career. With that in mind, here are the four teams most likely to pursue the star point guard this summer.

Miami Heat

If the Miami Heat shocked the NBA world and won a league title in June, it would certainly change their priorities in July. However, assuming they are cut down like every other team by the buzzsaw that is the Denver Nuggets, Russell Westbrook would be a likely target this summer.