NBA fans and the media that cover it are debating three things and three things only right now: 1) Can Tyrese Haliburton and his hobbled calf be effective enough to defeat the Thunder and force Game 7, 2) Will Ace Bailey slide in next week’s NBA Draft and 3) Where will Kevin Durant end up?
That third question has been especially difficult to pin down. With the draft approaching on June 25, trade chatter around the 15-time All-Star has ramped up — but no deal has yet materialized.
Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer may have finally offered a directional clue.
Fischer spent over five minutes this week laying out the dynamics that could determine Durant’s next move, and one franchise keeps coming up.
Kevin Durant Trade Rumors: Why Miami Heat May Hold the Keys to a Blockbuster Deal With Phoenix Suns
According to Fischer, Phoenix is actively seeking a deal involving draft capital and frontcourt help in exchange for Durant. While several teams are in the mix — including the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves — the Miami Heat is emerging as the most viable option based on assets, need, and mutual interest.
“The Suns are looking to definitely get some type of draft capital back in the Kevin Durant inevitable ultimate trade outcome,” Fischer explained, noting that the franchise has been telling agents it expects to land another first-round pick in addition to No. 29.
Miami, which holds the No. 20 selection, fits that criteria and could offer veteran contracts to balance out the numbers.
Fischer emphasized Phoenix’s desire to improve at center, something Miami can address with Kel’el Ware. “Phoenix has widely communicated that they are definitely intrigued by adding big men to this roster,” Fischer said.
The Suns have already made moves in that direction, acquiring Nick Richards and moving on from Jusuf Nurkić. Ware, paired with picks and the right mix of veterans — possibly Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier or Haywood Highsmith — could give Phoenix the balance it needs.
Durant views Miami as a destination he’d welcome. Fischer didn’t say it was a done deal, but he laid out a compelling path for it to become one.
“I think at the end of the day, right now, that’s my best educated guess as to what the outcome is going to be for Kevin Durant,” Fischer said. “I think Miami still has pieces and the willingness and are a team that KD would want to go that could ultimately rule out and win this landscape and this sweepstakes for Kevin Durant.”
Fischer added that the market is expected to heat up quickly once serious offers come in, likely closer to the draft itself. For now, Miami appears to be in the best position to satisfy both Durant’s preferences and Phoenix’s demands.
If a deal is going to get done in the next week, the Heat may be the ones holding all the right cards.
