The Miami Heat are the team that “makes the most sense” to trade for Kevin Durant, according to Jake Fischer. Pat Riley is always chasing the next star, and KD is one of the all-time greats. Even at 36 years old, Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. The Heat need an upgrade and have all the pieces to make this trade.
Fischer noted the Suns won’t tank after trading for KD. They want players that can help them win immediately. The Heat would have to match Durant’s salary, which likely means Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson, and Nikola Jovic or Kel’el Ware are heading to Phoenix with draft capital. Miami is retaining Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, as they believe their star trio gives them a chance to compete in the East next season.
Fischer notes the package for Durant is not expected to be gigantic. He is entering the final year of his contract and turns 37 before opening night. KD is still elite, but Father Time is undefeated. Durant could decline at any moment.
Heat in the early lead in Kevin Durant trade sweepstakes
Riley is never afraid to make a bold move. The 80-year-old has built several title contenders and wants another ring. He knows Durant is an elite scorer and offensive weapon that would certainly help the Heat. Miami finished 21st in offensive rating during the regular season and was 15th of 16 in the playoffs. KD would create some easy buckets and score efficiently. His numbers may even tick up in Miami under Erik Spoelstra.
The Suns plan to trade KD before the draft. Miami was named as one of the suitors when Shams Charania dropped the news that the market is heating up. There are several other suitors, but Miami’s willingness to offer a significant package coupled with a need for a star puts them in the lead.
Other teams could outbid the Heat, but the Rockets and the Spurs have young stars to cultivate. They may not want to push significant chips in on a 37-year-old KD.
The time is now for Miami. They need a star to replace Jimmy Butler. The Warriors wanted Durant over Jimmy Buckets before the deadline, but KD declined a deal back to the Bay Area. The Heat may benefit from that decision in more ways than one.
Kevin Durant instantly turns the Miami Heat back into a threat in the wide-open Eastern Conference. The Pacers, Knicks, and Cavaliers figure to be the top teams with Jayson Tatum out for likely the entire 2025-26 season. Fans have seen what Miami can do with a locked-in star during the playoffs. Durant is better than Butler and could be all the Heat need to be right back in the mix.
Fans won’t have to wait long before KD finds a new home. The Suns want to trade him before the draft begins on June 25. Expect the Heat to be in the mix, but it is too soon to tell who lands the future Hall of Famer. All fans can do is stay tuned and keep dreaming that Durant makes his way to South Beach.