The Miami Heat have pursued Kevin Durant to no avail multiple times over the last 10 years, but they're hoping that 2026 could be when their two roads finally collide. However, if the Heat did sign KD in free agency next summer, that would end up being a huge mistake for the franchise.
According to Miami Herald's Barry Jackson, the Heat are expected to make KD a "possibility" if he were to make it to free agency in 2026.
In theory, the Heat would accomplish their goal of landing a star player by signing KD next summer. There's one big problem with that. If KD doesn't sign an extension with the Houston Rockets before next summer arrives, he's likely going to be looking for one more big payday before the over-38 NBA rule comes into play.
That's the CBA provision that discourages teams from extending contracts to players over the age of 38 for four years or more.
KD can't be the Heat's prime target anymore
The last thing the Heat needs is to sign KD to a three or four-year deal, one that would likely be quite costly, a couple of years too late. But because of the Heat's reported infatuation with KD, which has been evident over the last few years, particularly this past offseason, this is something that can't be completely considered off the table.
Would it be surprising if it were reported next summer that the Heat are preparing to offer KD a huge free-agency contract? I wouldn't. And neither should you.
How they get there with the Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, and Nikola Jovic contract situations hanging over their heads, who knows? However, the Heat's front office could certainly find a way to put itself in a position to get in on the KD game should he hit free agency.
The unquestionable truth: KD is past his prime
But the biggest issue isn't even the money. The biggest problem for the Heat in pursuing KD next summer is the same one they faced this past offseason; it's the fact that the Heat aren't a KD addition away from jumping into the championship conversation.
Even if the Heat could get KD without parting ways with any assets, it's still hard to imagine how this team is going to emerge as a legit contender in the Eastern Conference.
That's where it gets complicated. Should the Heat burn all their cap space for a player that still won't carry them toward contention in the East? Sure, KD would bring the star power, but if this team is all about championships, signing KD a few years too late would be the complete opposite of that mantra.