Miami Heat Expected to Make Strong Push for Kevin Durant — Pat Riley Plotting Power Move After Playoff Embarrassment
After a humiliating first-round playoff sweep at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat are entering the 2025 offseason with urgency—and according to NBA insider Marc Stein, a massive swing could be on the horizon. The Heat are being named among the top contenders to pursue Kevin Durant, should the Phoenix Suns entertain trade offers for the two-time Finals MVP. And if there’s one executive who lives for moments like this, it’s Pat Riley.
Coming off a 37-45 season that ended with Miami becoming the first 10-seed to make the playoffs via the Play-In—only to be swept in embarrassing fashion—change seems inevitable. Bam Adebayo said as much during his exit interview, hinting at serious movement ahead. Pat Riley, ever blunt and bold, followed that up in his end-of-season press conference by stating that the Heat were not going to “run it back.” Translation: everything is on the table.
Enter Kevin Durant.
Despite the Suns being one of the most disappointing teams of the 2024–25 season, Durant himself remained elite. At age 36, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting an absurd 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from three. He’s still one of the most dangerous scorers in the NBA, capable of bending defenses with ease. For a Heat team that ranked near the bottom in offensive efficiency, adding KD would be a seismic upgrade.
Marc Stein reports that Miami—along with Minnesota—is frequently forecasted as one of the teams expected to show serious trade interest in Durant this offseason. That lines up perfectly with Riley’s track record. From Shaquille O’Neal to LeBron James to Jimmy Butler, Riley has never hesitated to go big-game hunting when a star becomes available.
The potential pairing of Durant with Butler and Adebayo is tantalizing. While the Heat would almost certainly have to give up valuable assets—possibly Tyler Herro, multiple first-round picks, or even key role players—adding KD puts them back in contention immediately. Durant’s game ages gracefully, thanks to his shooting and length, and Riley has already stated that he’s open to acquiring an “older” star if they can help win now.
More importantly, Durant to Miami fits the Heat culture. He’s a worker, a gamer, and a proven postseason killer. Miami wouldn’t ask him to carry the full load—just to elevate them in the biggest moments, something he’s done his whole career.
Of course, the Suns have yet to officially signal that Durant is available. But the team’s underwhelming season and unclear long-term direction open the door for tough decisions. Durant, still chasing another ring, may be open to a change of scenery if it means a better shot at contention.
For Miami, this is about more than just rebounding from a bad season. It’s about making a statement. Pat Riley doesn’t do rebuilds—he reloads. And if Kevin Durant hits the market, don’t be surprised if the Heat are first in line, armed with an aggressive offer and an unshakable belief that they can return to championship form with one more superstar in place.
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