The Miami Heat have a history of striking out on stars, but that could change this summer if they land Kevin Durant. Phoenix will reportedly engage in trade conversations about KD this offseason after shopping him before the February deadline.
Durant will be 37 before next season, but he's still playing at a high level. He averaged 26.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in the regular season, shooting 52.7% from the field and 43% from three. He played 62 games, missing the end of the regular season with a sprained ankle.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that there was "mutual interest" between Durant and several teams before the deadline: Miami, New York, Minnesota, San Antonio, and Houston. The NBA insider said those teams are expected to be interested in KD again over the summer when talks heat up.
The Suns aren't actively shopping Durant (not yet), but when they are, Miami should be one of the teams calling Phoenix. Durant will have a say in where he goes because he has one full season left on his current contract. Why wouldn't he want to end his career in South Florida with Erik Spoelstra?
Will Kevin Durant end his storied career with the Heat?
You can argue that KD would rather go to a team like the Rockets, which finished No. 2 in a stacked Western Conference. Houston might be higher on his list than Miami, but ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported that the Rockets' brass are high on their young core. He noted that the Rockets are expected to engage in internal discussions about a trade this summer, but Houston is in no rush.
Miami needs a player like Durant to help the Heat remain relevant after trading Jimmy Butler earlier this year. The Heat faced an uphill battle in their first-round playoff matchup against the Cavaliers because they had no answer for the top team in the East. Acquiring KD would give the Heat the scorer they need. He lives for big-time moments.
There is a risk that comes with trading for an older player like Durant, no matter how good he is. He'll want to sign an extension with the team he ends up with, adding to the risk. However, unless Giannis Antetokounmpo hits the trade market, Durant will be Miami's best shot to compete for a title in the short term.