The Miami Heat are focusing their offseason efforts on acquiring Kevin Durant as their primary target. Should they fail to secure the Phoenix Suns’ multiple-time All-Star, they have identified DeMar DeRozan and Jonathan Kuminga as valuable alternatives to strengthen their roster.
Miami Heat’s Priority Remains Signing Kevin Durant
At the forefront of the Miami Heat’s offseason strategy is the pursuit of Kevin Durant, a highly accomplished and experienced scorer. The team’s interest in Durant stems from their desire to fill the scoring void left after trading Jimmy Butler. Durant’s acquisition would dramatically shift the Heat’s plans and roster construction.
If the Heat are unable to secure Durant, they have their eyes on other proven players. One notable fallback option is DeMar DeRozan of the Sacramento Kings, a six-time All-Star who could provide the scoring the Heat need. Sacramento-based reporter James Ham highlighted that Miami’s interest in DeRozan persists as a viable alternative.
“What we’ve heard in the past is DeMar DeRozan, number one, when he was choosing which team to go to last summer, one of his options was the Sacramento Kings, of course, which is where he ended up landing,”
James Ham, Reporter
“But also, there was the possibility of him landing with the Miami Heat. I would say at this point, everything I’m hearing behind the scenes is that there is still interest in DeMar DeRozan from the Miami Heat, especially if they miss out on Kevin Durant.”
James Ham, Reporter
Ham further explained that if Durant joins Miami, the Heat’s pursuit of DeRozan would likely end, but without Durant, they will revisit offers for DeRozan, aiming to regain a significant scorer like Butler.
“If they land Kevin Durant, I think that all of this changes, right? But if they don’t end up with Kevin Durant, they’re still looking for that scorer that they lost when they traded Jimmy Butler. And so, I think the DeMar DeRozan situation will be revisited, and I think that they have plenty of things that are of interest for the Sacramento Kings.”
James Ham, Reporter
Potential Trade: Miami Heat’s Draft Pick Could Appeal to Sacramento Kings
The Heat currently hold the 20th overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft, an asset that may be influential in any trade discussions for DeRozan. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Kings believe this pick could fall in the early 20s range, making it attractive for their rebuilding plans.
DeRozan, 35, still has two years remaining on his contract, which is valued at $74 million over three years. Miami is reportedly willing to include this first-round pick along with player Terry Rozier to initiate trade talks with the Kings, who are actively seeking a point guard and might value the addition of Rozier as a complementary asset.
Jonathan Kuminga Offers a Youthful Alternative to DeRozan
Should the Heat be unable to land either Durant or DeRozan, another fallback option is Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, a promising young player with potential upside. Hoopshype journalist Michael Scotto noted that Miami is among the teams monitoring Kuminga’s sign-and-trade possibilities as the Warriors consider their roster options.
“The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat are two teams to monitor as potential sign-and-trade candidates for Kuminga, league sources told HoopsHype. With that in mind, the Warriors have also not ruled out the possibility of retaining Kuminga, sources said,”
Michael Scotto, Journalist
Kuminga, 22, has been edged out of Golden State’s rotation due to the arrival of Jimmy Butler, who fulfills a similar role as a wing scorer and leader. Warriors coach Steve Kerr hesitated to play both Butler and Kuminga together because of their overlapping skill sets and limited three-point range, which led to Kuminga’s reduced minutes.
Despite this, Kuminga displayed his scoring potential in the final playoff series, achieving averages of 24.3 points per game on efficient shooting, including nearly 39% from three-point range. His youth aligns well with Miami’s emerging core, which features Bam Adebayo (27), Tyler Herro (25), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (24), Nikola Jovic (22), and Kel’el Ware (21).
What This Means for Miami’s Future
The Heat’s offseason moves will significantly shape their competitiveness for the upcoming season. Landing Kevin Durant would immediately elevate Miami’s championship aspirations and fill a crucial scoring role. However, if Durant remains out of reach, adding a seasoned scorer like DeRozan could help the Heat maintain a strong offensive presence.
Alternatively, bringing in a young and versatile talent like Jonathan Kuminga could complement the Heat’s youth movement and support their long-term development. Each option involves trade-offs between experience, potential, and fit alongside Miami’s existing core players.
With multiple strategies in play, the Heat’s front office is navigating complex negotiations to position the team for success, keeping fans attentive to unfolding developments during this pivotal offseason.