If the Miami Heat can’t convince the Phoenix Suns to trade Kevin Durant, they still have some powerful options to pursue.
Once the dust settles in the chaotic season of the Miami Heat, they are about to advance the course for the next season.
Jimmy Butler’s trade hysteria is currently in their rearview mirror. The issues with Butler and team president Pat Riley have proven to be a truly distracting thing for the team.
However, once one trade saga is over, another trade begins as Heat is one of the teams involved in Kevin Durant’s sweepstakes.
They face fierce competition in this race, but Riley has an advantage. The fever is on Durant’s preferred destination list
But if the fever doesn’t convince the Phoenix Suns to trade Kevin Durant, where else will they see? Now, one NBA insider has named two players that he can target instead.
Jake Fisher’s recent report has provided plenty of insight into the Miami Heat’s plans. They need to consider some safety options while the fever is doing everything they can to land Kevin Durant.
Fisher said Demar Delozan is an option and the fever is on the lookout. Plus, Jonathan Kuminga is also on the heat radar.
“Kings’ DeMarde Rozan is another former All-Star who is widely recognized as available through trade and could emerge as a fallback trade target for teams missing Durant…
“Sacramento-based James Ham followed the report by claiming that if Delozan goes elsewhere, Delozan could be on the Miami radar.
“The immediate future of Jonathan Kuminga in Golden State will appear to be even more cloudy by Durant’s uncertainty than Delozan.
“For example, Miami could end up doing a sign-and-trade in Cuminga if heat doesn’t win the trade competition to score the league’s eighth highest ever scorer. Sources say Miami has registered Cuminga’s interest in the previous trading cycle.”
Kevin Durant is undoubtedly one of the NBA’s best players, but even at 37, perhaps Miami’s fever will turn into a younger option.
Delozan raises similar issues as Durant when it comes to age, but not fatal on the offensive edge.
Meanwhile, in Cuminga, fever can land a young star with many potential and championship experience from warriors.
The younger forward played well this season despite Steve Kerr not trusting Kuminga. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists, and produced some strong performances in the playoffs.
Pairing him on the front court with Andrew Wiggins, a player who has played with the Warriors for years, makes him even more comfortable.
Heat is known for the fantastic development of the stars. And if they can land Cuminga, they have a score first that allows them to develop quickly, while maximizing all-start rio for Tyler Hero, Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins.