Q: Ira, if the Heat are going to trade for Kevin Durant it means they want to win now, have homecourt in the first round. Can they do that even with Durant after the Magic trade for Desmond Bane? – Val.
A: Good question. Considering how well positioned the Magic were last season before the injuries to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, one would think that a lineup also including Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs (another Orlando injury absence last season) would certainly track in the top four in next season’s East. Add in the Cavaliers, Pacers and Knicks, and homecourt in the first round for the Heat, even with an addition of Kevin Durant, could prove to be a challenge. And that’s not even getting into where the Celtics might stand. Still, there are worse places to be positioned for a challenge than with Durant, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo being coached by Erik Spoelstra. For now, Orlando has several legs up on the Heat.
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Q: Go after Ja Morant and forget about Kevin Durant. – Raquel.
A: The Grizzlies’ unloading of Desmond Bane largely for draft collateral certainly creates thoughts about a rebuild in Memphis. And if Ja Morant should or could come available, as a player he certainly would answer many of the Heat’s needs. For the moment, there does not appear to be an imminent selloff in Memphis. But at the moment, it also would be wise to be ready in case there is an opportunity to pounce.
Q: Kevin Durant to the Heat is a ridiculous concept. Even if the Heat could work out a deal, they would still have to extend Durant for two years at $60 million per. The last thing a rebuilding team needs is a 37-year-old, injury-prone, $60 million player who has not come close to winning anything since he left Golden State. His stints at the Nets and Phoenix show him to be a great scorer but not a player who can carry a club to championship contention. The Heat do not need a $60 million dollar salary anchor that will sink their next three seasons. – Gary, Boca.
A: Or, in the East, raise them to greater heights than a potential fourth consecutive trip to the play-in round. With the Heat, Kevin Durant would have the type of defensive anchor in Bam Adebayo that he lacked with the Nets or Suns. It’s at least worth the look, while also considering the degree of draft capital required.
