NBA Free Agency: 5 top targets for Miami Heat
By Tom West
5. Sign Kevin Durant
Let’s just start with Kevin Durant, because that’s ultimately what everyone cares about most in NBA free agency even if it looks increasingly certain that he’ll be staying put with the Thunder.
The Heat, with Pat Riley’s reputation and persuasion, the attraction of Miami itself, and a 3rd seed finish in the East with potential for far more with Durant onboard, can always bring in free agents. It’s what they do and this summer more than ever Riley will need to work his magic.
Because with the concerns of Dwyane Wade re-signing and the future of Chris Bosh, the Heat being able to offer Durant the long-term title chances he wants is questionable.
Even after bringing back Whiteside, Durant won’t necessarily be sold.
And then there’s the obvious issue of money. After giving Whiteside a four-year max contract for $98 million, the Heat will need to ask Wade for a heavy pay cut to ensure they can offer Durant a max contract. Providing Bosh stays, the Heat still only have a handful of players signed into next season and now have just over $19 million in cap space after Whiteside’s added $22 million salary.
With a Wade-Whiteside-Durant trio, they’d obviously be a force in the East without question. Durant alone would do wonders for their lack of perimeter shooting and seeing as he’s one of the best scorers the NBA has ever seen, it goes without saying how desperate Miami will be to make their meeting with him count.
Not matter how much the Heat may want to pull this monumental move off, though, it’s hard to see it happening due to limited money and Durant’s bond to OKC.
Next: Keeping Dwyane Wade