Considering everything, the Miami Heat had a successful 2024-25 season. Despite having former star Jimmy Butler attempt to sabotage their season and them trading him, they still managed to make the playoffs and saw Tyler Herro break out.
Both Herro and Bam Adebayo are the clear building blocks for a team that could just be one major piece from contending again, but finding that last piece is often as hard as finding the first one. Fortunately for the Heat, there appears to be mutual interest in a superstar who could help them contend as soon as next season.
Most teams are likely angling to try and trade for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. While he may be at the top of Miami's wish list, the Heat may not have the assets needed to pry him away from Milwaukee. Instead, they should focus their attention on another star.
The Miami Heat must trade for Kevin Durant this summer
The Miami Heat could be at the top of the list to trade for Kevin Durant, the star of the Phoenix Suns, this summer. Of course, that could be by process of elimination, with most teams pursuing Giannis. Still, Durant has become underrated despite averaging nearly 27 points per game this season.
Question is whether the assets that they're comfortable trading for him will be surpassed by Minnesota or someone else. This is not like Giannis, where you give them a choice of everything
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) May 10, 2025
He is still among the most efficient offensive players in the NBA and can still be effective on the defensive end. Pairing him next to Adebayo and Kell'el Ware would give the Heat plenty of length and size without sacrificing offense.
As far as a potential trade package, the Heat could trade Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, a top-three-protected 2029 first-round pick, and a top-10-protected 2031 first for KD. That might seem like a lot for a 36-year-old Durant, but he'd provide a major upgrade. Not only that, but he seems unlikely to significantly decline over the next few seasons, and they'd get off of Rozier, who was terrible this season, all in one trade.
How would Kevin Durant fit on the Miami Heat?
A projected starting lineup of Davion Mitchell, who had a great playoffs, Herro, Durant, Adebayo, and Ware would be a well-balanced five-man unit. Mitchell, Durant, Adebayo, and Ware are all solid defenders at the very least and could help Miami thrive on that end of the floor.
On offense, Herro and Durant would provide more than enough shooting, while Mitchell has definitely improved in that regard. Although Adebayo isn't a stretch five, he is more than capable of scoring consistently from mid-range and the paint, while Ware projects as a stretch five who can also catch lobs in pick-and-roll situations.
Overall, the Heat could be just one star away from reemerging as contenders. With teams likely focusing on Antetokounmpo, the Heat could swoop in and trade for Durant.