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NBA Champion Names ‘Perfect’ Spot for Kevin Durant

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 1:08 PM ET

In a recent discussion on ESPN's "Get Up," 2020 NBA champion Markieff Morris endorsed Miami as the ideal destination for Kevin Durant.

Morris, who played for the Miami Heat, praised the team's culture and coaching under Erik Spoelstra.

"For the little bit of time I played in Miami, that was the best brand of basketball I’ve been apart of. Spo does a great job of getting the best out of guys and I think that's a perfect spot for him. The East is wide open and he can flourish there" Morris said.

He highlighted Spoelstra's ability to maximize player potential, suggesting Durant would thrive in the Heat's system.

The Heat's winning culture, combined with players like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, could create a formidable team.

Durant, 36, is no stranger to winning basketball, and is coming off a season in which he averaged 26.6 points per game on a stellar 52.7% shooting from the field.

Spoelstra's system would give Durant a gritty defense to lean back on, something he has lacked greatly in his tenure with the Suns.

Moreover, with an Eastern Conference that's looked as open as ever after the Pacers marched through it in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Heat could give Durant a chance to get back to the NBA Finals and claim his coveted third title.

This endorsement comes as Durant remains a hot topic in trade rumors, with the Suns reportedly close to a deal.

Morris's insight, backed by his championship experience, adds a compelling perspective to Durant's potential move, emphasizing Miami's appeal as a basketball haven.

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

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