Kevin Durant Trade Rumors: $4.25 billion franchise joins Suns star sweepstakes to fill in Jimmy Butler void

Kevin Durant’s future with the Phoenix Suns is yet to be discussed. However, there have been rumors that Durant would get traded and possibly join a contending team. The San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks have been the subject of discussions over the acquisition of the star forward thus far.

An Eastern Conference team that’s valued at $4.25 billion (per Forbes) has entered the Durant sweepstakes, the Miami Heat. According to NBA insider and ESPN reporter Zach Lowe, the Heat plan to pursue a trade to land the two-time Finals MVP and form a Big 3 with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.

“Miami is going to get involved. They can talk themselves into a nucleus of Herro, Bam, KD, plus whatever decent young players are left over here can get us somewhere,” Lowe said on his show “The Zack Lowe Show.”

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"They're having to give up one of Jovic or Jaquez in any kind of trade like that."

The Heat is hoping to acquire a star like Durant to fill the void left by Jimmy Butler, who was traded to the Golden State Warriors last season. Since then, the duo of Adebayo and Herro has struggled to lead Miami. In the postseason, it was evident that they needed help after being swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In Game 4 of their first-round series, the Heat suffered a 55-point blowout loss to the Cavs. The team's 138-83 blowout defeat was the fourth-largest playoff margin of victory.

With KD, the Heat could have a go-to scorer. Herro and Adebayo could benefit from having KD in the lineup to focus on what they do best. Miami's big man can concentrate on playing defense, while the one-time All-Star can be a secondary option.

Kevin Durant prefers to be traded to the Spurs

NBA insider John Gambadoro revealed that Kevin Durant hinted at being traded to the San Antonio Spurs. He talked about it over the weekend on his show "Burns & Gambo" at Arizona Sports.

"I do know somebody that has been with Kevin Durant recently," Gambadoro said. "Kevin Durant and this person talked about the Spurs. That's why I mentioned the Spurs."

However, there isn't any confirmation about it from the star player himself.

The Spurs have the assets to trade for a star player like Durant. Holding the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, they could package it with other players in a deal with the Phoenix Suns.

Pairing Kevin Durant and Victor Wembanyama would strengthen the Spurs and boost their playoff chances.

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About the author

Reign Amurao

Reign Amurao specializes in basketball at Sportskeeda, bringing 3 years of experience to his role and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication.

A fervent supporter of the Phoenix Suns, Reign was hooked to their electrifying "Seven-Seconds-Or-Less" offense, which epitomizes high-paced and high-intensity basketball. For Reign, Steve Nash is the ultimate floor general, and he believes Boris Diaw could've been the next Magic Johnson if he had a bit more discipline. 

From Reign's perspective, Anthony Edwards is a 90s player stuck in modern times, and Gregg Popovich is an ultimate winner with unparalleled success and leadership in the sport.

Reign's expertise lies in NBA history, particularly the significant moments and trends of the 2000s and 2010s. He prioritizes in-depth research using only credible sources to maintain accuracy in his articles, and avoids misleading topics.

Beyond basketball, Reign enjoys gaming with friends and watches comedy shows and films.

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