2. Kevin Durant
When Kevin Durant pushed to join the Phoenix Suns, he saw them as a legitimate championship contender. However, since his acquisition at the 2023 trade deadline, the Suns have underperformed, losing in the second round and then suffering a sweep. With the outlook in Phoenix becoming increasingly uncertain, another disappointing season could prompt significant changes.
Durant might be the first to seek a way out if the Suns falter again. Like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, Durant is in the latter stages of his career and is laser-focused on adding more titles to his legacy. He has expressed interest in potentially joining Miami before. During the 2022 offseason, Durant requested a trade and listed the Suns and the Heat as his preferred destinations.
Should Durant eventually part ways with the Suns, the Heat would be a leading contender to land the 14-time All-Star. While acquiring Durant would require Miami to give up considerable assets, the move would undoubtedly extend the Jimmy Butler era. Durant's presence would relieve Butler of some of the late-game pressure and provide the Heat with efficient scoring on a nightly basis, making them a formidable contender.