It sure seems like the Miami Heat's offseason will be largely impacted by what ends up happening on the Kevin Durant front. The good news for Heat fans and the front office is that it sounds like they should get an answer on KD by next week.
According to Phoenix Suns insider John Gambadoro, there's a growing expectation that KD will be traded at some point next week. Gambadoro added that it could happen even sooner than that, but if he had to put a timeline on when the long-rumored KD trade will happen, next week is what he's hearing.
The Heat should clear their calendars for next week
If that's the case, Heat fans should be preparing to clear their upcoming calendars. Either way, there appears to be some big news coming in the not-so-distant future.
At least thus far into the offseason, the Heat have been largely linked to KD. That's not to say there haven't been other conversations and preparations going on in the front office, but it's become quite clear that Miami is waiting on a decision from KD and the Suns before they move forward with any other potential moves.
Does this mean the Heat is confident that they'll be able to land KD? That's tough to say, but it's also been well-reported that Miami has held talks with the Suns. The fact that those reports have been publicized without the organization pushing back on that idea does speak volumes.
Generally in the NBA, where there's smoke there's a fire.
It's not surprising that the Heat have so much riding on KD at the start of this offseason. Miami is in desperate need of a star player, especially after trading away Jimmy Butler at last year's NBA Trade Deadline, and, in many ways, KD has become the first big name that is almost certainly going to be moved.
Because of his age and contract situation, KD could also be considered one of the most realistic trade options for many teams searching for a splash move. Because of Miami's limited assets, it's understandable that they're so invested in this pursuit of KD. Or at least that's how things appear.
Could KD be traded to another team, and then a few days later, it's reported that the Heat were never truly aggressive in trade talks with the Suns? Sure. However, I'm not sure how Pat Riley can talk a big game of change, and then not pursue one of the bigger names at the start of the summer.
Either way, here's the bottom line: KD is going to get traded, Miami is certainly involved in trade talks to a certain extent, and the growing belief is that KD will be traded in the next 5-10 days. Things might be about to get more exciting or disappointing for Heat fans. It should be theater no matter what happens.