Even before Kevin Durant arrived in Arizona, the Phoenix Suns were thinking about championships.
Led by Chris Paul and Devin Booker, the Suns made it all the way to the 2021 NBA Finals. Since then, Suns fans have been fixated on the thought of the Larry O’Brien trophy landing in Phoenix. The machinations of zealous team owner Mat Ishbia have only made those dreams more vivid.
However, just because Phoenix wants it to happen, it doesn’t mean it will. Several All-Stars have played for the Suns. Even Hall of Famers. Yet, none have been able to deliver Phoenix’s first championship. With that history of misfortune, it only makes sense that the Suns have assembled perhaps the most talented core in franchise history and it feels like they’re on the verge of collapse.
Kevin Durant Would Have ‘No Problem’ Playing for Heat?
After being bounced from the First Round of the NBA Playoffs, word spread that Frank Vogel’s days as head coach were numbered. The locker room found him insincere. Durant found himself uncomfortable on the court.
This week, those rumors became reality as Phoenix fired Vogel. They’ve quickly made a move on Mike Budenholzer as his replacement. Nonetheless, with so much drama in the Valley of the Sun, it’s worth wondering how long this iteration of the Suns will stay together.
Bradley Beal is an awkward fit alongside Booker in the backcourt. Though he refutes the rumors, Booker is being linked to the New York Knicks among other teams. Furthermore, for all his stardom, there’s a section of basketball analysts that question his impact on winning outside of scoring. Lastly, Durant’s contract expires in 2026. Now on his fourth team, he’s shown that he’s unwilling to stay in situations that don’t suit him.
With regard to Durant, there are now also rumors linking him to the Miami Heat.
Chad Ochocinco Johnson, a former star wide receiver in the NFL, recently sat down with Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe. Sharpe has amassed great fame as a media personality, working with CBS Sports, Fox Sports, and ESPN. He now has his own podcast, Club Shay Shay, and one with Johnson called Nightcap.
On the Nightcap podcast, Johnson claims that Durant wants “to go to” the Heat, saying that he “talked to him” about the very topic (h/t Arizona Republic’s Jeremy Cluff):
“I talked to KD and I know KD is going to see this and KD can attest to this. You can talk about it tomorrow on First Take. KD and I had a lengthy conversation. Listen, I’m not into basketball and people like KD and LeBron and some of these other players that I know, they confide in me. And I asked if it was OK to talk about tonight on Nightcap and it just so happens, boom, it comes up.
And he said he would have no problem coming down to Miami, if it made sense.”
It’s Not Impossible
Durant playing for Heat isn’t far-fetched.
For one, Miami is the type of market that attracts stars. Why not? The weather is beautiful. The nightlife is electric. The scenery is *chef’s kiss*. Phoenix is a great city but it’s not Miami. For a man without a wife or kids, that could matter when comparing lifestyle choices.
Focusing on just the basketball side of the equation, the Heat have proven that they can build a championship-contender. Indeed, they have more championships (3) than the Suns and Brooklyn Nets combined (2). Led by a no-nonsense front office and coaching staff, Miami’s discipline has been the secret ingredient to their success. However, the Heat also know how to push the right buttons, unlocking their player’s potential.
Miami may be as formidable as Phoenix offensively, even with Durant. Yet, they’re more balanced. They’re tougher. With Durant in the fold, they very well could have enough firepower to win their first championship since 2013.
What Would a Trade Look Like?
If Durant requested a trade (or forced one), the Suns could send him to the Heat in exchange for Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro. Short of giving up Jimmy Butler, it’s probably Miami’s best option. However, with Heat owner Pat Riley and Butler’s agent at odds with one another, Miami could be happy to send him over. If that’s the case, the Suns should seriously consider the deal.
Butler isn’t nearly the offensive threat that Durant is. Nonetheless, his point-forward abilities and defensive tenacity are better fit alongside Beal and Booker. Butler’s durability will be a key variable in whether or not he reaches an extension with Phoenix. However, if he doesn’t, they wouldn’t be in any worse position than if Durant left.
