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Kevin Durant Reportedly Did Everything He Could to Lure in Heat’s Recently Acquired Hidden Gem

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 1:29 PM ET

In a surprising revelation, NBA superstar Kevin Durant reportedly went to great lengths to bring Italian forward Simone Fontecchio to the Phoenix Suns last season, showcasing his admiration for the emerging talent.

According to a recent report by BasketNews, Fontecchio disclosed a candid moment during a game against the Suns when Durant approached him with a heartfelt message: “We tried everything we could to get you here, but we couldn’t do it.”

This exchange underscores Durant’s respect for Fontecchio’s skills and potential, something that can grant the Italian sharpshooter with a significant amount of confidence going forward.

Fontecchio, recently traded from the Detroit Pistons to the Miami Heat, has been a sleeper hit in the NBA. Averaging 5.9 points and 2.9 rebounds in 16.5 minutes per game during the 2024-25, the 29-year-old sharpshooter brings versatility and a reliable outside shot.

Durant’s acknowledgment highlights his keen eye for talent, even as the Suns’ roster struggles persisted, culminating in his trade to the Houston Rockets this offseason.

For the Heat, acquiring Fontecchio could prove to be a strategic coup. His ability to stretch the floor complements the team's stars in Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, and Durant’s endorsement adds intrigue to his arrival.

This recent report symbolizes a missed opportunity for the Suns but a promising new chapter for the Heat as they look to rebound from a disappointing 37-45 season that ended in a playoff sweep.

As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Fontecchio to see if he can live up to the hype from one of the game’s greats. Durant’s efforts may not have panned out, but they’ve certainly put the Heat’s latest gem on the radar.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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