Next realistic superstar target could be an ironic familiar face for the Heat

After striking out on the Kevin Durant sweepstakes earlier this summer, the future Hall of Famer remains a “forever Heat possibility if he makes it to free agency” in the summer of 2026– according to a recent report.
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As the Miami Heat were viewed as one of the heavy favorites to land superstar Kevin Durant in the trade market earlier this offseason, they ultimately struck out at the final minute.

The sweepstakes for KD’s services came down to just between Miami and the Houston Rockets. The Phoenix Suns evidently preferred the Rocket’s final trade offer of Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, a first-round lottery pick from this year’s draft and five future second-round picks over the Heat’s.

However, Durant’s long-term future in Houston is still very much in the air— as the Rockets have yet to present the future Hall of Famer with a max contract extension.

At the age of 36 years old, going into his age-37 season shortly, Durant remains one of the top players in the entire league. He is coming off elite averages of 26.6 points, 6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game on remarkable 53/43/84 shooting splits. The pushback from Heat fans worried about his age never made sense, considering he is still playing like he is very much in his prime.

Although, those same concerns about KD’s age and mileage from Heat fans could also be what the Rocket’s front office is thinking about, considering they have yet to put a new long-term contract for their newly acquired star on the table.

The Miami Heat could still have one last chance to lure Kevin Durant on their own terms as an unrestricted free agent next summer.

There’s still the possibility that Durant eventually agrees to a new deal in Houston. But if not, the Heat still hold him in high regard as a 2026 free agent target, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

“Durant will forever be a Heat possibility if he makes it to free agency; the Heat always has held him in high regard… Key members of the organization disagreed about which players to offer in trade negotiations (this summer).”

— (via Barry Jackson/Miami Herald)

It was disappointing to see Miami strike out yet again on reeling in a new star on the Heat off the trade market.

Especially considering that Durant had Miami as a top preferred destination, and the history between the two parties of Pat Riley making a push to acquire him several times in the past. The stars keep aligning to see KD rep a Heat jersey, only to repeatedly fall short.

However, the front office’s reluctance in offering young talent like Kel’el Ware and Nikola Jovic in trade talks this summer for him could wind up being brilliant if they get their hands on Durant as a potential 2026 free agent. They would have a prime opportunity to finally land him on their own terms outright— without negotiating with other teams or sacrificing any key pieces.

KD doesn’t seem to show signs of decline anytime soon. He is potentially looking at another three or four-year window of playing at the highest level.

And it would only feel pleasantly ironic to see him finish off that window alongside a Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and coach Erik Spoelstra core in South Beach.

Next realistic superstar target could be an ironic familiar face for the Heat

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