The future of Kevin Durant It is still one of the great unknowns of this low season in the NBA. With the player’s own desire to abandon the Phoenix Sunsand the Heat of Miami As one of its favorite destinations, conversations between both franchises have intensified. However, Suns’ demands are seriously complicating the possible transferforcing the Heat to explore concrete alternatives.
What Phoenix asks for Durant
According to sources close to the process, The suns are not willing to give to their superstar. Although Durant has already expressed interest in arriving in Miami, the Arizona franchise seeks A combination of young talents, consolidated players and high -value draft rounds. The goal is to rebuild the team with pieces of the immediate future, after a disappointing season (36-46) that left Phoenix out of the playoffs and resulted in the dismissal of coach Mike Budenholzer.
The suns especially seek:
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At least one young player with star projection
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Multiple draft rounds without protection
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Possible inclusion of contracts to match wages, but without compromising their long -term flexibility
Names like Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jovic They have sounded in rumors, but the Heat is not willing to release its entire nucleus without clear guarantees of short -term competitiveness.
Miami prepares a plan B: Derozan and Kumina
Given the growing difficulty to close the signing of Durant, those responsible for the Miami Heatheaded by Pat Rileythey already work in a Alternative strategy. If the agreement with Phoenix becomes unfeasible, Florida’s team points to two very different but complementary goals: Demar Derozan and Jonathan Kuminga.
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Doozanveteran free agent after their stage with the bulls, would contribute experience, medium distance and leadership annotationcharacteristics that fit well with Erik Spoelstra’s philosophy.
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But the big bet would be Jonathan Kuminayoung talent of the Golden State Warriors. In an ecosystem like Miami’s, with Spoelstra as mentor and players like Wiggins by his sideKumina could exploit its potential and become a new star under the sun of Florida.
Durant or intelligent reconstruction in the Heat?
Although Durant remains the number one option, the Heat will not be left with crossed ones if the treatment does not occur. The franchise is clear that it needs to be reinforced after Jimmy Butler’s departure and that it cannot depend solely on such a complex operation.
Miami wants to remain a real contender in the eastand both Durant and the other names in folder represent roads other than that goal. Meanwhile, the market in the market grows, fans expect answers and Kevin Durant’s future is still the center of attention in an NBA that never rests.
