All signs are pointing to the Miami Heat making a big move this offseason and now may be the time to strike. There are numerous big-name stars expected to be available in trade discussions such as Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant. However, there may be a player the Heat have showed interest in the past who may be available this offseason.
After the Houston Rockets' exit from the first round of the NBA playoffs, Kevin Durant is again being included in trade discussions. Bleacher Report released an article, naming some landing spots along with a proposing a trade for each team mentioned. The Heat are included on the list. The proposal is:
Heat receive: F Kevin Durant
Rockets receive: G Tyler Herro and F Nikola Jovic
"Durant may be in the twilight of his career, but he obviously still has the name value of a star and generally plays like one too," the article wrote. "He's undoubtedly more consistent (and lately, more available) than Tyler Herro. And inside-out actions with he and Bam Adebayo could give the Miami Heat a more dynamic attack than they've had in years. Herro would give the Rockets another young(ish) guard and tough shotmaker to play in the backcourt with Reed Sheppard and/or Fred VanVleet. He's averaged at least 20 points, five assists and two triples in each of the last five years. And, at least in theory, Nikola Jović would make sense as a floor-spacing 4 flanking Şengün's work in the middle of the floor. He seemed to fall out of favor with Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and shot 26.9 percent from deep this season, but Jović hit 38.3 percent of his long-range attempts over the two previous seasons."
Last offseason, there was reported mutual interest between Durant's camp and Miami but Pat Riley was reluctant to part with the team's young talent such as Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Jovic. Now, the Heat have the opportunity to add the 37-year-old superstar. Herro missed a lot of time this season and Pat Riley has been reluctant to hand him a contract extension. He is only under contract for one more season and Miami may want to deal him while he still has a solid amount of trade value. Jovic received his rookie contract extension in October and it already seems the team is regretting handing out that money.
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