Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Media Personality Makes Shocking Claim Tying Kevin Durant’s Legacy To Miami Heat

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI | By Bryan Townes | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 6:25 PM ET

Kevin Durant’s unsuccessful tenures with the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets confirmed he’s at his best when he can operate within an established structure and culture.

While he’s been criticized for joining the Golden State Warriors because they were already a championship team, nobody could deny they took a massive jump once Durant joined. On Speak, Ric Bucher explains why the Miami Heat would allow Durant to join a similarly structured team and become a winner again.

Ric Bucher believes Miami is the best spot for Kevin Durant:

“I need him in a place where he can be the difference maker. When I look at the Miami Heat, he’s exactly what they need. They need that scorer.”

ESPN, SC and FS1 have all pushed KD to Miami pic.twitter.com/QIHSsc9eKW
— (@WadexFlash) June 16, 2025

“It has to be the Miami Heat because the culture and leadership are already set,” Bucher explained. “It’s the one Eastern Conference team, and let’s face it. Guys go to the Miami Heat to rehab their reputation and their image. Jimmy Butler was not considered a winner on the level we consider him now, prior to going to Miami and doing all that he did.”

“You have all of the pieces in Miami that most closely resemble what he walked into with Golden State,” Bucher continued. “Yes, Golden State was a winner, but the culture was already set. I need him in a place where he can be the difference maker. When I look at the Miami Heat, he’s exactly what they need.”

The Heat already have their established and proven coach in Erik Spoelstra, while they have two other All-Star caliber players, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. If they can land Durant without giving those two up and keep Kel’el Ware after his dominant rookie season, the Heat would be guaranteed contenders in the East again.