Kevin Durant will assuredly be dealt from the Phoenix Suns in the coming weeks or months, as both sides will work together to find a suitable trade partner.
With the news of Durant's imminent departure, the Miami Heat have emerged as a potential destination for the 15-time All-Star and legendary scoring forward.
Several other franchises will certainly be looking to acquire the services of the future Hall of Fame inductee, but the Heat's team president Pat Riley's track record of convincing superstars to come aboard speaks for itself.
According to a recent trade proposal from ESPN's Kevin Felton, he suggests that the Heat could offer the Suns an enticing deal including 2022 NBA All-Star Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic, two first-round picks and a second-round draft selection.
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant (35).
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant (35).
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
"The Heat can check multiple boxes for the Suns," ESPN's Bobby Marks wrote with regard to Pelton's hypothetical trade package Wednesday.
"Getting Wiggins, who has bounced back this season as an above-average starter, and (Nikola) Jovic improves Phoenix's forward depth."
On top of receiving both Wiggins and Jovic in this deal, Marks adds that the Heat can offer the Suns considerable draft assets.
"And the Suns end up with both the first-round pick the (Golden State) Warriors sent Miami in the Jimmy Butler trade and a valuable unprotected draft pick in 2030 to replenish the team's coffers."
Wiggins could certainly serve as a useful starting forward on a contending team, but he would likely be the odd man out in terms of putting together a deal for Durant.
It would be a tough pill to swallow for the Heat if Wiggins were to depart, but Riley won't pass on the opportunity to create a Big Three of Durant, first-time All-Star Tyler Herro and 5-time All-Defensive Team selection Bam Adebayo.
In 62 appearances with the Suns this past regular season, the 6-foot-11 forward and 2-time Finals MVP contributed 26.6 points on a ridiculously efficient 64.2% true shooting percentage to go along with 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks.
Durant's defensive capabilities prior to entering his age-37 season will be a sizable question mark, but he could transform the Heat into a true title contender practically overnight if he were to buy into the franchise's "Heat Culture" philosophy.