The Miami Heat are off to a not-so-hot start, currently sitting at 4-6 and though a look around the league and Eastern Conference don’t make this especially concerning, what others are doing shouldn’t ultimately decide how they choose to move.
With that though and speaking of “move” or moves, to be more specific, the Miami Heat found themselves firmly in the throws of the Kevin Durant melodrama of this past summer. With him wanting out of Brooklyn, not wanting to return until significant changes were made, and then deciding to return as is—it all turned out to be one big storyline to get everyone through the dull period of NBA action.
Or maybe not? As the coach that Durant wanted to be fired has since been giving those walking papers in Steve Nash and his All-Star cohort in Kyrie Irving has continued to find himself in the midst of turmoil, there is chatter out there that the rest of the league sits, awaiting a proper opportunity to pounce.
Here is what ESPN’s Zach Lowe had to say on the topic, as conveyed by Joseph Zucker of Bleacher Report.
"ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported on the Lowe Post podcast (via HoopsHype) “the whole league is ready now to reengage” in trade discussions centered around the Brooklyn Nets star. He added at the 26:24 mark “the vultures are gonna circle on Durant” amid the Nets’ ongoing turmoil."
And with that, the question must be asked. Should the Miami Heat be in that number ready to ‘reengage’ trade talks for the Nets’ superstar?
That’s the topic of the latest All U Can Heat Roundtable.
My Take – No They Should Reengage Kevin Durant Rumors
The Miami Heat have issues to sort out, this is true. However, they can sort those issues out internally if they are patient enough to figure them out.
And at the very worst-case scenario, they can figure them out externally via outsourcing with a trade or some other mechanism—without it having to be Kevin Durant and here’s why. The Nets showed you that they were not willing to part with Durant unless it was a boatload coming back in return, something that would surely all but sabotage a team at this point in the process.
Even for Kevin Durant, who is averaging nearly 32 points, six rebounds, and five assists through 10 games thus far this season, that might be too much for a team to withstand. Just look at the Nets, they are but 4-6 themselves.
That leads to the next point and that’s this question. Why help out the Nets?
They are clearly in the middle of rocky times and to help them out now, when they could have helped themselves out this past summer, as stated, isn’t the best approach. Lastly, that’s a tense scenario over in Brooklyn.
With all they have going on, it may be too radioactive to touch it in any sense. Ultimately, there are other ways to get it done, while that one may not be worth it in a myriad of ways.
What you have to send out may make it a moot move, while Durant may not put you over the top as you expect for several reasons. That’s why they shouldn’t reengage—at this particular point.
Miami Heat Roundtable: To Reengage In Kevin Durant Rumors? – Max’s Take
The Miami Heat have struggled this year so far. They are having a hard time rebounding the ball and getting some size at the power-forward position might help.
Max’s Take (@maxmarshall136) – Yes, They Should Reengage Kevin Durant Rumors And Not Even Think About What It Takes
Caleb Martin and Max Strus are actually doing a solid job at the four position and while it’s not from a lack of effort from either two, they are just small this year. You could listen to the argument that Miami was small last year, even with P.J. Tucker.
However, Tucker is wider and stronger than Martin and Strus. Yes, it is obvious that Miami needs more size at the power forward position.
Everyone can see what’s happening in Brooklyn with the Kyrie Irving situation. It’s only a matter of time before he might be off the team and Brooklyn looks to trade superstar Kevin Durant.
Remember, Durant asked for a trade this past offseason. He and Brooklyn might still be on the way toward blowing it up at some point this year.
If you are Miami, you have to go all in for Durant and not even think about it. They need to make a win-now move.
Do you honestly care about them trading draft picks to Brooklyn, which is always an organization that can never do it right? And furthermore, outside of those picks probably not meaning much to an inept Brooklyn team, would they even mean anything for Miami?
With the Heat’s desire and aptitude for success, what’s the highest those picks will get? Perhaps, somewhere near the end of the lottery?
Everyone but Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo should be up for grabs. Miami has some picks they can look to trade as well.
They need to look to make a move for Durant when then the time comes because this current Miami Heat unit needs a shake-up.
Miami Heat Roundtable: To Reengage In Kevin Durant Rumors? – Eric’s Take
To quote Randy Jackson of American Idol fame, “Yeah, it’s a no for me dawg”
Eric’s Take (@FrittsWrites) – No, The Miami Heat Should Not Reengage In Kevin Durant Rumors
Trading for Kevin Durant would be a stellar move for this team. They’re falling behind the curve a little bit and need something to put them into contention with the top of the East.
Durant is a top 10-15 player of all time, depending on who you talk to, and would give this heat team that much-needed boost. Plus, Miami is a strong organization, one that might be able to actually handle his off-the-court issues.
However, that very drama is the exact reason he’s still a stay-away. Being able to handle problems doesn’t mean the Heat should invite them in.
KD is just far too unpredictable to build a team around. Internal squabbles with coaches and teammates are normal for any NBA franchise, however, what isn’t is his total lack of commitment.
This isn’t about him leaving OKC or Golden State, as he’s absolutely free to choose where he wants to play. The issues are his trade request and how it was all handled this summer.
He wanted to be traded before his contract was even effective, giving the team an ultimatum, and when it didn’t happen—rescinds all of it. Why should any organization have any trust in him going forward?
Like, quite literally, at all? On top of all of this, Miami probably doesn’t have the assets to get a deal done.
The Nets can’t take Bam Adebayo for contract reasons and probably don’t want Duncan Robinson or Kyle Lowry. They’re also going to want a truckload of picks and the Heat aren’t known to pick in the lottery often.
Effectively, this whole situation is a no.
Miami Heat Roundtable: To Reengage In Kevin Durant Rumors? – Noah’s Take
The Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving Era in Brooklyn continues to abide by Murphy’s Law—”everything that can go wrong will go wrong.
Noah’s Take (@ndeckerbuckets) – Yes, They Should Reengage In Kevin Durant Rumors, Now
With Kyrie Irving’s future in Brooklyn and in the NBA in question, we can start looking at Durant’s future again. Durant requested a trade this summer.
Now, it is starting to look like there is a chance that trade talks might continue. If Durant’s name is in trade conversations once more, then the Miami Heat need to reengage.
In the first few games of the season, the Heat have looked like a team that could use an extra boost to get them over the top. No one could do that better than Kevin Durant.
The former MVP and four-time scoring champ is averaging about 32 points, six rebounds, and five assists per game on 52 percent shooting this season. That type of production would be huge for a team like Miami.
Durant might be struggling to win in Brooklyn, but he would have a lot of success in Miami. Adding an offensive talent to a great defensive team like the Heat is a lethal combination.
If the Heat do decide to try and negotiate in trade talks with Brooklyn, they will need to keep Bam Adebayo’s name out of the conversation. It is clear that he is the most valuable defender on the team.
Considering the team is already having a difficult time rebounding, they are going to need Bam moving forward. Otherwise, nearly anyone else could be put on the table.
Make it happen!