Before Phoenix, Kevin Durant Had His Eyes on the Heat and Raptors
Kevin Durant’s move to the Phoenix Suns was one of the most talked-about transitions in NBA history. But before he donned the purple and orange, Durant’s future was clouded with speculation involving teams like the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors. As fans celebrated or lamented his final decision, many wondered: How close was Durant to joining these other franchises, and how different could the NBA landscape have been?
Kevin Durant: A Superstar in Demand
Kevin Durant is no stranger to shaking up the league with his career moves. From his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder to his time with the Golden State Warriors and the Brooklyn Nets, Durant’s decisions have consistently reshaped the power balance in the NBA.
When the trade rumors began swirling around Durant, following the dissolution of the Brooklyn Nets’ superteam, every franchise dreamed of adding the two-time NBA Finals MVP to their roster. Among the most serious contenders were the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors, two organizations known for their strong cultures and championship aspirations.
Miami Heat: A Near Match for Durant
The Miami Heat were one of the most logical destinations for Kevin Durant. Known for their “Heat Culture,” a mantra emphasizing discipline, toughness, and excellence, Miami seemed like a perfect fit for Durant’s competitive nature. Pairing Durant with Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and a strong supporting cast could have made Miami an instant title favorite.
Reports suggest that Miami actively pursued Durant, exploring trade packages that included several key players and draft assets. However, the Nets’ steep asking price, which allegedly demanded stars like Bam Adebayo, may have deterred the Heat from pushing all their chips to the center. The negotiations eventually fizzled, leaving Miami fans to wonder what might have been.
Toronto Raptors: A Bold Option
The Toronto Raptors were another intriguing option for Kevin Durant. The Raptors have a history of bold moves, as evidenced by their acquisition of Kawhi Leonard in 2018, a gamble that ultimately led to their first NBA championship. Durant’s addition to a team featuring Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and rising star Scottie Barnes could have restored Toronto to contender status.
Toronto’s rich international fanbase and reputation for embracing elite talent were additional draws for Durant. The Raptors reportedly had serious discussions about a potential trade, even considering moving significant assets to secure the superstar. However, the Nets’ insistence on acquiring Scottie Barnes—Toronto’s untouchable cornerstone—was a dealbreaker.
Why Phoenix Won the Durant Sweepstakes
Ultimately, Kevin Durant landed with the Phoenix Suns, forming a superteam alongside Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton. Phoenix’s willingness to part with valuable players and draft capital made them the front-runners in Durant’s trade saga. For Durant, the chance to compete for a title with a ready-made roster was too good to pass up.
Phoenix offered Durant something Miami and Toronto could not: an immediate, seamless fit within a roster designed to win now. While Miami and Toronto had strong foundations, their trade packages would have likely gutted their rosters, leaving Durant without the necessary support to contend.
What Could Have Been
The thought of Durant playing alongside Jimmy Butler in Miami or revitalizing Toronto’s championship hopes sparks endless “what if” scenarios for NBA fans. Both franchises had the potential to create new dynasties with Durant at the helm, but circumstances and trade complexities stood in the way.
Conclusion: Durant’s Decision Reshaped the NBA
Kevin Durant’s eventual move to the Phoenix Suns cemented his legacy as one of the most impactful players in NBA history. However, the stories of how close he came to joining the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors remain a fascinating “what if” in basketball lore. As Durant strives for another championship in Phoenix, fans in Miami and Toronto can only wonder what their teams might have achieved with the superstar in their ranks.
Whether with the Heat, Raptors, or Suns, one thing is clear: Kevin Durant’s influence on the NBA is undeniable, and every team he’s connected to will forever feel the ripple effects of his decisions.
