Is Kevin Durant the Missing Piece? Suns Star’s 26.6 PPG Sparks Miami Heat Speculation, 11 Years After LeBron’s Scoring Reign
It’s been over a decade since the Miami Heat had a scorer as dominant as LeBron James, who averaged 27.7 points per game during his final season with the franchise in 2013–2014. Since then, the Heat have relied on defense, teamwork, and the occasional breakout star to stay relevant in a league dominated by elite scorers. But now, with rumors swirling and fans buzzing, one question is heating up the NBA offseason: Could Kevin Durant be the missing piece Miami needs to return to championship glory?
Durant, who averaged 26.6 points per game this past season with the Phoenix Suns, remains one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons — even at age 35. Though the Suns struggled with chemistry and consistency in their debut season with a Big Three of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, Durant’s individual performance was steady and efficient. He shot over 52% from the field, nearly 42% from three, and continued to draw double-teams while creating space for others.
With Phoenix’s disappointing playoff exit and questions looming about the team’s long-term roster flexibility, trade speculation has naturally followed. And if Durant were to request a move, Miami is one of the few destinations that makes both basketball and narrative sense.
The Heat are no strangers to bold, headline-grabbing moves. Under Pat Riley’s leadership, they’ve built a culture of toughness and ambition. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo have led the franchise to two NBA Finals appearances in the last four years, but the lack of a consistent high-volume scorer has often been their Achilles’ heel — especially in tight playoff games.
That’s where Durant could come in.
Imagine a closing lineup featuring Durant, Butler, and Adebayo. Durant’s scoring versatility — he can create in isolation, spot up, and attack mismatches — would relieve pressure on Butler and give Miami the offensive balance they’ve been missing. He’d also stretch the floor, opening up driving lanes and allowing the Heat’s role players to thrive in more defined roles.
But would Phoenix actually part with Durant? And could Miami afford the price?
Any potential trade would likely involve multiple first-round picks, young talent like Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jović, and possibly a third team to help match salaries. It’s a high cost, but one the Heat might be willing to pay if they believe Durant can deliver the title that’s eluded them since 2013.
Still, questions remain. Can Durant stay healthy over the grind of a full season and playoff run? Would he fit into Miami’s famously rigorous “Heat Culture”? And most importantly — would he want to?
For now, it’s all speculation. Durant has not publicly expressed any desire to leave Phoenix, and the Suns maintain they are committed to building around their Big Three. But as the NBA offseason unfolds and teams evaluate their paths to contention, Miami’s interest in adding a transcendent scorer like Durant makes perfect sense.
It’s been 11 seasons since Miami had a 25+ point-per-game scorer. Kevin Durant could be the next. The only question is — will the stars align?
Because if they do, the Heat might finally have the firepower to finish what they’ve started.
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