Kevin Durant’s Path to the Suns Was Almost a Detour Through Miami or Toronto

Kevin Durant’s move to the Phoenix Suns was a blockbuster deal that sent shockwaves through the NBA. However, what many fans may not know is that Durant’s journey to the Suns was far from straightforward. Before his eventual landing in Phoenix, the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors emerged as serious contenders for his talents. Both franchises explored ways to bring Durant into their fold, and their pursuit of the superstar could have drastically altered the league’s landscape.

The Heat: Durant’s Potential Fit in Miami

The Miami Heat, known for their competitive “Heat Culture,” were one of the first teams linked to Kevin Durant when trade rumors began swirling after his fallout with the Brooklyn Nets. Miami’s front office, led by Pat Riley, has a history of going all-in for superstar talent. Adding Durant to a lineup featuring Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo would have created one of the most formidable teams in the NBA.

Reports suggest that Miami made a serious push for Durant, assembling trade packages that included a mix of draft picks, rising stars, and established contributors. However, the Heat faced a significant hurdle: Brooklyn’s high asking price. The Nets reportedly wanted Bam Adebayo in any trade scenario, a price the Heat were unwilling to pay. Without a deal that satisfied both sides, Miami’s dream of acquiring Durant never materialized.

Toronto Raptors: The Bold Option

The Toronto Raptors were another team aggressively pursuing Durant. Known for their willingness to take risks—like trading for Kawhi Leonard in 2018, a move that brought them their first NBA championship—the Raptors saw Durant as a way to return to contender status.

With a young core including Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, and Fred VanVleet, the Raptors had the assets to intrigue Brooklyn. However, Toronto’s front office drew a hard line at trading Scottie Barnes, their untouchable rookie of the year and future franchise cornerstone. Despite their best efforts, the Raptors couldn’t craft a package that met the Nets’ demands while preserving their competitive edge.

Why Phoenix Was the Perfect Fit

Ultimately, Kevin Durant landed with the Phoenix Suns, a move that paired him with elite talent like Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton. Unlike Miami or Toronto, Phoenix was willing to offer the kind of trade package Brooklyn was looking for, including multiple first-round picks and talented players like Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson.

For Durant, the Suns presented the perfect balance: a championship-ready roster and an organization willing to mortgage its future to win now. While Miami and Toronto had compelling cases, neither team could offer Durant the immediate opportunity to chase a title with a well-rounded team.

What Could Have Been: A League-Altering Decision

The idea of Durant playing alongside Jimmy Butler in Miami or elevating Toronto’s roster with his elite scoring and playmaking creates endless “what if” scenarios. Miami’s gritty, defensive-minded team would have benefited greatly from Durant’s offensive brilliance, while Toronto’s international fanbase and strong developmental system could have been the ideal environment for Durant to thrive.

Had Durant chosen either of these teams, the power dynamics in the NBA might look very different today. Miami could have solidified itself as a perennial contender in the East, while Toronto might have added another championship banner to the rafters.

Conclusion: Durant’s Legacy and the Ripple Effects

Kevin Durant’s decision to join the Suns reshaped the league, but the near-misses with the Heat and Raptors remain an intriguing part of his legacy. Both teams came close to landing one of the greatest players in NBA history, but the complexities of modern trade negotiations ultimately sent Durant to Phoenix.

As Durant chases another championship in the desert, fans in Miami and Toronto can only wonder how their teams would look with one of the greatest scorers in history wearing their jerseys. One thing is certain: Durant’s influence extends far beyond the teams he plays for, leaving a trail of “what ifs” that NBA fans will debate for years to come.