Report: Miami Heat and Suns Reach Kevin Durant Decision Amid Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors.
Five Reasons Sports claims that the Heat have made inquiries regarding Durant.
The most recent report follows ESPN’s Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst’s observations that the Golden State Warriors are no longer a viable option and that Miami is now the only place a trade for the 15-time All-Star might go.
The only realistic alternative looks to be a trade between the two players (along with some other assets), as Heat forward Jimmy Butler has made it obvious that he wants to remain in Phoenix. However, both teams might make do with what they have and hold off on shipping each player off until the summer.
Durant is still playing some of his best basketball at the age of 36. This season, he is shooting 52.4 percent from the field and averaging 26.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He has established himself as a vital member of any competing team and is one of the greatest scorers of all time.
With a 24-24 record, the Heat are now ranked seventh in the East. The club lead by Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo would immediately be at the top of the east as title contenders with Durant’s signing. Adebayo and coach Erik Spoelstra have an Olympic connection, which further makes Miami a desirable location for Durant.
Heat Connected to Potential Three-Team Trade Sending Jimmy Butler to Suns.
The Miami Heat are involved in a variety of Jimmy Butler scenarios as the trade deadline draws near.
According to some sources, Butler was sent by the Heat to the Phoenix Suns, but not in return for Kevin Durant. NBA expert Jake Fischer speculates that Durant may be returning to the Golden State Warriors.
The fact that selling Durant seems to be the only chance for Phoenix to get Miami’s Jimmy Butler before Thursday’s deadline, according to sources, is one factor contributing to the notable increase in Durant talk, Fischer wrote. “If Durant is no longer with the Suns, why would they want Butler? Although no one contacted by The Stein Line has been able to provide a satisfactory response, there are still rumors that a scenario in which Durant returns to the Bay Area and Butler is transported from South Beach to the desert is in fact taking place.
The Heat may end up with former No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins in a three-team trade that also includes the Suns and Warriors, despite the fact that many supporters are demanding Durant in exchange for Butler.
The Heat can put a stop to the Butler story on Thursday. In late December, he asked for a trade even though he has guided the team to two NBA Finals since 2019. Since then, the team has suspended Butler three times for actions that were harmful to the team.
