Is There A New Big Three In Store For The Miami Heat?
The Heat are favorites to make an attempt to grab Kevin Durant this offseason
The Phoenix Suns’ first year of the “Big Three” era was unsuccessful.
Sure, they made the playoffs but were swept in a meagerly-competitive first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves. With their season officially over, rumors involving the possible release of head coach Frank Vogel and Kevin Durant’s future with the franchise are starting to loom.
Of course, the future is unpredictable, especially in the NBA world. But it seems as if a team may already have their eyes set on Durant. On Monday, a report went viral of an anonymous Western Conference executive mentioning the Miami Heat as a favorite to make a move for the 14-time All-Star.
It could be challenging trying to acquire Durant
Because the Heat lack the desired assets to get Durant, they might have to trade a guard, along with some draft picks. If the unimaginable happens and the Heat are able to acquire Durant while holding onto forward Jimmy Butler and center Bam Adebayo, it could be a huge, considering they were one of the worst offensive teams this year.
During his 15-year career, Durant has established himself as one of the most efficient scorers in NBA history. Standing at 6’11” with a wingspan of 7’5”, he has a height advantage over most defenders, making him a threat at all three levels on the court. Despite never making an NBA All-Defensive Team, his defense has also improved throughout his career.
The Heat would have a new Big Three
For five years, Butler and Adebayo have been the faces of the Heat franchise. In the 263 games they played together, they averaged a combined 39.3 points, 15.9 rebounds, 9.6 assists, 3.0 steals and 1.4 blocks. With their all-around abilities, adding Durant to the mix could be beneficial, considering his high-offensive skill set and his willingness to get it done on the other end.
At the moment, this trade seems unlikely but the powerful Pat Riley is known for pulling off miracles.
Cory Nelson is a contributor to Fansided’s Wiz of Awes. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson, Instagram @ckenzynelson, and Threads @ckenzynelson