The Miami Heat were among several teams closely linked with Kevin Durant in trade negotiations this offseason. Although Durant was eventually traded to the Houston Rockets, the Heat came very close to finalizing a trade, too.
Miami’s interest in acquiring Durant has been noted. Although they came up short this time, they reportedly remain inclined to sign the star in free agency next summer, per The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson. He wrote:
“Durant will forever be a Heat possibility if he makes it to free agency; the Heat always has held him in high regard, but key members of the organization disagreed about which players to offer in trade negotiations with Phoenix in June.”
Jackson noted that the Heat were unwilling to part with players like Kel’el Ware or Nikola Jovic, both of whom are expected to be key pieces in the rotation in the upcoming season. The result of this commitment to their young players eventually led to Houston’s big offer, helping them secure Durant.
Given Miami’s investment in their young talent, particularly players such as Ware and Jovic, the notion of the Heat setting their eyes on signing the star in free agency next summer isn’t outrageous.
Durant would make for an interesting fit in Miami’s rotation. When considering his averages of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists with the Phoenix Suns last season, it is clear that the 36-year-old remains a potent offensive force.
Paired with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, the Heat would effectively boast a new ‘big three’ with Durant on the roster. Additionally, with the talent available at their disposal and their placement in a less competitive Eastern Conference, Miami would undoubtedly be viewed as contenders, too.
Signing Durant does become a realistic option for the Heat next season. With several players such as Terry Rozier, Norman Powell, and Simone Fontecchio on expiring contracts, Miami could see approximately $55.3 million come off the books.
This would be more than enough to present the star with a lucrative short-term offer to bring him over to their side.
As exciting as this prospect would be, it would also have some downsides.
As constructed, Miami remains a competitive team in the East. With a talented young core, the Heat are expected to see a lot of their younger players take a huge step in development in the upcoming season.
If the Heat are invested in the growth of the players on their roster, patience would be a necessary quality. By signing Durant, the Heat would effectively bear the pressure of a “win now” mindset, which may not be conducive to development.
With all the right assets in place, Miami could become a team that can emerge as a title contender in the future. But if they are insistent on signing Durant, the Heat will need to make some tough decisions based on the performance of the team this season.
Miami’s plans could easily be thwarted by the Rockets, who could offer Durant a two-year extension. But considering that the 36-year-old may not be the team’s central figure, he may be forced to take a pay cut if he intends to remain with the team. This aspect could also be a point of conflict, potentially facilitating his exit as a free agent next season.
