Because of the financial limitations the Miami Heat had this summer, it's difficult to be truly disappointed by their offseason. However, looking back, there's no question the Houston Rockets royally screwed the Heat by going so hard after Kevin Durant.
Had it not been for the Rockets' aggressive efforts, the Heat could've executed a near-perfect "gap" year plan. One that would've consisted of acquiring KD while keeping their future relatively unscathed. If the Heat had been able to land KD without having to surrender multiple future first-round picks, which Houston was able to do, it wouldn't have been a steal of a trade.
But instead of the Heat lining themselves up perfectly, for now and in the future, it was the Rockets taking advantage of a disgruntled KD. The fallout is that Miami will have another big "what if" scenario added to its recent history of misses.
The Heat brilliantly pivoted to Norman Powell
Even though the Heat missed out on KD, you have to credit them for quickly recovering and having the awareness to make a move for Norman Powell. Pretty much out of nowhere, the Heat were able to acquire Powell for pennies on the dollar.
Miami was able to steal a borderline All-Star talent for, basically, expiring contracts. That has to be considered a huge win for the Heat.
Powell doesn't carry the star power that KD has, and he's still not the offensive powerhouse that KD is even in this late stage of his career, but he's going to help take significant pressure off Miami's two stars on the offensive end of the floor. And that will prove valuable as the Heat attempts to climb back out of the Eastern Conference cellar.
KD in Miami would've been a sight to see
Still, it's difficult not to imagine how much excitement that would've surrounded the Heat had they pulled off the move for KD. It would've given the Heat a natural boost in star power, something they clearly have desperately needed since the departure of Jimmy Butler, while also maintaining their hope for the future.
Sure, the roster still would've had holes, especially if they had to part ways with the majority of their young core, but that doesn't mean the experiment wouldn't have been fun.
KD may not be considered one of the five best players in the league anymore, and he's probably well past his prime. But at least on the offensive end of the floor, he's still one of the most prolific players shooting the basketball. And it would've been amazing to see how creative Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra would've made this offense with a talent like KD.
But, once again, it's one of those 'what ifs' that we'll never see play out. In many ways, Heat fans can thank the Rockets for that.