Durant joins the Heat? Don t just look at gimmicks, this may be the most dangerous big bet for the Heat

On June 11, Durant's trading storm escalated again. According to joint revelations from multiple US media, the Miami Heat has officially joined the battle and is willing to provide it with a feasible transaction plan. The Spurs, which were previously considered to be the most promising to sign Durant, still retain the lead. But the Heat's sudden emergence complicated the direction of this deal.

From paper, Durant is indeed the most needed reinforcement for the Heat forward. He has stable mid-range shooting ability and can handle the ball at critical moments. But the question is, it is not whether the Heat lacks him, but whether they can afford this "bet". The salary issue is not a digital game, it is a fork in the fate of the team. Durant's contract has only one last year left, with an annual salary of more than $53 million. The Heat's salary structure is already very tight now. The renewal of Bam Adebayo and Taylor Sheero occupy the main space. Even if Duncan Robinson or Martin is given out in the deal, it is difficult to match Durant’s contract in total.

They can only impress the Suns by adding potential new stars and future draft picks. But this is exactly the Heat's most sensitive bottom line. The team has almost exhausted all high-quality resources in the past three years. Sacrifice the future again, even if the lineup is improved in the short term, it will be difficult to maintain balance.

If young players like Hiro, Jovic or Hax are sent out, and then they will take the first round to exchange for the 37-year-old KD, the consequences of this operation are likely to be "a whole bet for a season."

Durant's playing style may not be really suitable for the Spoil system

Durant's offensive ability is still the top in the league, but in recent years he has gradually reduced breakthroughs and caused damage, and relied more on mid-range shots. He will not actively participate in a lot of screening cooperation, nor is he good at running without a ball.

The core of the Heat's tactical system lies in conduction, rotation, defensive strength, and physical execution. Spoelstra is one of the league's most executive coaches. Durant's style of play is more suitable for single-point effort than participating in complex and changeable rotations.

Once Durant cannot fully integrate into the system, the Heat's offensive and defensive rhythm will be broken. He is not the kind of "plug and play" star, which can be seen from his experiences with the Nets and the Suns.

Why does the sun consider letting people go? They are not crazy

Some people question why the Suns took the initiative to let Durant go? He still has 27+ output this season and his efficiency is not low. In fact, behind this is the manifestation of management's complete disappointment with the lineup structure.

Book and Bill both have a long contract, and Durant has only one year left. If he is retained again, it means the Sun will pay more than $200 million in luxury taxes for at least another year. The team's record cannot be guaranteed to enter the top four in the Western Conference, and this is unworthy.

They would rather get some shorter contracts in combat power, plus a protected first round, which is more valuable than waiting for Durant to leave tomorrow. More importantly, the team hopes to rebuild around Booker and the young wing.

The Suns don't want to repeat the passive situation of the Nets last year. This time, they want to make a decision.

Heat urgently need a rebound, but Durant is not the best candidate

Heat have just been swept out by the Cavaliers, their morale is depressed, and the management is questioned by the outside world. Against this background, Durant can indeed increase the public opinion in transactions. But it is hard to say whether it can get a stable record.

Durant can no longer play for another season. His attendance and physical load management are destined to miss some key games. The Heat do not have the lineup thickness of the Suns and Nuggets. Once KD is absent, no one will be on the bench. If this transaction is completed, the Heat will lose multiple rotation players and it will be difficult to have the energy to strengthen. The team will also be greatly affected on the defensive end. In the past, the Heat depended on iron-blooded defense. After this deal is completed, they will have to turn to "attack instead of defense."

This is not the Heat's familiar playing mode. They are likely to rebuild their style of playing and re-run the staff. This turmoil may come at a huge price in the fierce competition in the eastern region.

Conclusion: The Heat can bet, but they cannot be blindly

Durant is a respected player, but he is no longer the tactical core that can turn the world around. His joining can increase the Heat's ceiling, but it may also destroy their stability.

The Heat are not missing a star, but a balanced lineup and healthy execution.

Durant joins the Heat, which sounds exciting. But in practice, this is more like a big adventure with a gambling nature. The Heat can gamble, but not blindly. If the transaction is really started, you have to bear the possibility of losing the future.

Otherwise, it is better to let KD go to the Spurs, at least there is no pressure on the playoffs and no mandatory task to compete for the championship. Maybe there, he could really find a little respect and peace in his later years.