Even though the Miami Heat appeared focused on Kevin Durant, it'd be malpractice if they didn't have some plan B options in mind in the event things fall apart in their trade talks with the Phoenix Suns. There have been some recent surprising whispers that have linked the Heat to Jonathan Kuminga as a fallback plan to KD.
Kuminga may not be the name that Heat fans want to hear as a plan B to KD, but he could emerge as an intriguing potential option for a team that could be desperately looking for talent to upgrade the roster.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Heat are one of the teams that could revisit previous interest in Kuminga. A deal would have to come via sign-and-trade, considering the Heat don't have straight-up cap space and that Kuminga is a restricted free agent. Even though it's still a possibility Kuminga could re-sign with the Golden State Warriors, the overwhelming belief is that he will explore other options.
If Miami misses out on KD, targeting a young player with star potential wouldn't be the worst idea. The question is, would Kuminga represent the right gamble for the team? That may not be so simple.
The Heat could bet on Kuminga's potential
Kuminga is certainly a talented player. His first few seasons with the Warriors birthed uneven results, but there were some instances when it appeared he was on the path toward stardom. In fact, during his third season in the league, Kuminga averaged 16 points and five rebounds per game on 53 percent shooting from the field as he appeared ready to break out as a star player
Much of that was quickly forgotten as this past season quickly spiraled out of control for Kuminga. But he's still just 22 years old, and the argument can be made that he wasn't put in the best position to be successful in Golden State.
With his role constantly changing with the team, the Heat could see a golden opportunity to take advantage of a player who perhaps just needed the right support system to thrive. Known to have one of the best developmental systems in the league, the Heat may believe they have the right environment to help Kuminga take the next step and possibly hit his ceiling as a player.
Of course, the true risk with acquiring Kuminga revolves around the contract. Kuminga is likely to sign a new deal worth north of $20 million per season. That's not a terribly paralyzing deal for a young player with star potential, but if Kuminga turns out to be a bust in Miami, it would only add to this team's long-term roster-building issues.
Miami will almost certainly see the KD situation through, but, at this point, a potential pursuit of Kuminga can't be considered off the table, especially if they end up losing out on the superstar forward.