Recent years on the trade market have not been kind to the Miami Heat. They scored a steal in 2019 by acquiring Jimmy Butler from the Sixers for the low cost of Josh Richardson, Hassan Whiteside, and a first-round pick. However, subsequent trades have been less successful, with overpays for Kyle Lowry, Victor Oladipo, and Terry Rozier. Additionally, the Heat have given away several draft picks to offload their mistakes.
The Miami Herald reports that “According to three people who have had contact with the Heat, Miami wants to maintain flexibility with that space in case an opportunity to add a high-level player becomes available.” When it comes to the Heat, the one name that springs to mind as a potential trade target is Kevin Durant, who has been on Miami’s radar for more than two years. Though Durant hasn’t indicated he wants out of Phoenix, speculation persists.
Kevin Durant Considered ‘A Favorite’ — If He Hits the Trade Market
The Suns have publicly stated their intent to keep Durant and build on their progress after adding Bradley Beal to a team that already includes Durant and Devin Booker. Despite this, speculation about a possible Durant trade continues, with Miami often mentioned as a potential destination.
Early this offseason, following the Suns’ playoff exit at the hands of the Timberwolves, NBA executives suggested Durant could be moved. “There are a few teams that should come up,” one Western Conference executive told Heavy Sports regarding potential Durant trade partners. “The Heat would be a favorite.”
Despite Suns owner Mat Ishbia’s strong public stance against trading Durant or Booker, Durant remains a more attainable target due to his age and contract status. The West executive confirmed via text that if the Suns were to trade Durant, the Heat would likely go all-in. “Absolutely,” he said.
Heat Would Have to Deal Tyler Herro, Picks & More
The Heat remain favorites to acquire Durant if the Suns change course. A package centered around Tyler Herro, draft picks, and possibly young players like Nikola Jovic or Jaime Jacquez Jr. would likely be required to land Durant. Despite his age, Durant is still a 14-time All-Star who averaged 27.1 points on 50% shooting last season. Standing at 6-foot-11, he can play all three wing positions and offers defensive versatility.
Durant has had tumultuous stints with recent teams and would join his fifth franchise if he left Phoenix. However, in Miami, he would enter a stable situation with Jimmy Butler as the clear leader and Erik Spoelstra as a powerful coach. It’s presumed Durant would fit well with the Heat’s structure.
According to the Miami Herald, the team is keeping space open in case a player like Durant becomes available. As reporters Anthony Chiang and Barry Jackson explained the Heat’s lack of action this summer: “There have been Heat trade discussions with teams – including one with substantial cap space – though further details are unclear. One of the sources said Miami also wants to see what good players become available in the trade market in the days and weeks ahead.”
“So any holding pattern is the byproduct of preferring to leave options open to pursue something meaningful – not a reluctance to spend. Such an opportunity could take a couple days – or several weeks – to emerge.”
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