NBA Rumors Roundup: Knicks great could end up on the Warriors, former MVP could be out of Nets’ plans until after training camp, and more | July 27th, 2022

The Miami Heat are looking to move on from the Kevin Durant sweepstakes

Boston Celtics v Brooklyn Nets - Game Four

The Miami Heat emerged as one of the favorites to land Kevin Durant after the Brooklyn Nets forward requested a trade. Miami and the Phoenix Suns were reportedly KD’s preferred destinations.

Phoenix is no longer in the running after the massive Deandre Ayton extension. Miami still has something to offer for Durant. A package of Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and a slew of draft picks were not enough for the Nets to even pause to consider.

Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald had this to report:

“While the Miami Heat remains interested in Kevin Durant, the Brooklyn Nets have displayed little interest in the Heat’s offer for the high-scoring superstar and Miami is moving ahead with its current roster for next season, according to sources briefed on the situation.”

The Brooklyn Nets allegedly didn’t want to start trade talks if Miami didn’t include Jimmy Butler in the negotiation. Bam Adebayo isn’t part of the conversation unless the Nets move Ben Simmons in another complicated trade.

The Miami Heat were arguably only one Butler jump shot away from heading into the NBA Finals. They’ll have to look elsewhere to improve their lineup for next season.

Rival NBA execs are wary of the Brooklyn Nets' true intention regarding Kevin Durant trade talks

Boston Celtics v Brooklyn Nets - Game Four

A “historic haul” has primarily been the basis of trade talks involving Kevin Durant. Brooklyn is adamant that it will not move the superstar unless they are satisfied with the compensation.

The Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer analyzed why the Nets don’t want to lower their price for the two-time NBA Finals MVP:

“But with Durant turning 34 in September and a notable injury history that's limited him to only 90 games over the past three seasons, no rival teams' trade offers have come close to meeting Brooklyn's lofty expectations.”

“Several opposing executives contacted by B/R have suggested the Nets' terms are so significant because Brooklyn has no intention to truly move Durant.”

Durant’s value has also been inflated due to the Rudy Gobert trade. The Minnesota Timberwolves gave up several players and a couple of picks. If Gobert demands that kind of return, KD's compensation should be unprecedented.

The Brooklyn Nets are in a great position if they keep Durant. Brooklyn’s lineup next season could still pull a few surprises even if Durant only grudgingly keeps his end of the contract.