“Heat would be a 'favorite' for Kevin Durant if the Suns traded the superstar”

After the Phoenix Suns' season ended with a first-round win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, one Western Conference executive believes the Miami Heat could sign star Kevin Durant, according to Heavy's Sean Deveney.

“There are a few teams that should show up,” the general manager said. “The Heat would be a favorite.”

Durant is under contract through the 2026-27 season, so a move to Miami would have to come via a trade, but this could be a move the Heat are willing to make to add a star alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.

The pairing of Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal was a failure in year one and it might be the only year the trio is together. As Durant has done before, he could request a trade and leave Phoenix to join another team that he believes can compete for a championship.

A trade could ultimately be smart for the Suns. To sum up Durant, Booker and Beal, Phoenix gave up most of its first-round picks over the next few seasons. It could get some of those picks back in a trade with Miami or get some pieces to reload for another Finals run.

Whatever direction the Suns choose, it's clear that something needs to change after being dominated by the Timberwolves in the first round.

For the Heat, Durant could be the missing piece that finally gets them a championship outside of the years of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Miami has been at the top the last four years, but failed in its last two Finals appearances.

Butler is seeking his first championship while Durant is looking to add another to his resume, and the two could help each achieve that in Miami.