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NBA free agency: 5 destinations for David West

By John Buhler

Dec 23, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward David West (30) works for position around Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward David West (30) works for position around Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 1, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) holds the ball while defended by Miami Heat center Joel Anthony (50) and point guard Norris Cole (30) during the first half in game six of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) holds the ball while defended by Miami Heat center Joel Anthony (50) and point guard Norris Cole (30) during the first half in game six of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 110. . East. Southeast. Miami Heat. 1

While the Cavaliers could still easily win the Eastern Conference for the third straight season in 2017, one team that might have pieces to dethrone LeBron James in the East might be his former team in the Miami Heat.

If there is one place that West should hope to land in 2016 NBA free agency, it is with the Heat. Miami has a terrific basketball culture and is a marquee free agent destination. Head coach Erik Spoelstra had the 2015-16 Heat playing great defense after missing the NBA Playoffs the year before.

Like he did with the Spurs, West could at least command a veteran minimum to play for the team that often frustrated his fantastic Pacers teams in the 2013-14 Eastern Conference Finals in the Heat. Miami has a solid mix of high IQ veterans and young high-upside players like Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson.

West’s best shot to win an NBA Championship might come in the East, where all he has to do is join a team that can top James’ Cavaliers. Miami was close to that summit in 2016, but were a piece or two away. Losing power forward Chris Bosh to blood clots for the second straight season didn’t help either.

Dethroning The King in the East has been impossible the last three seasons, as James’ teams have reached the NBA Finals each year. However, Miami might be the team that could do just that in 2016-17. It would be an easy transition for West into the Heat rotation if he would feel so inclined.

For more 2016 NBA free agency news, please check out our NBA free agency category page.

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