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How would Kevin Durant fit in with his preferred teams?
Kevin Durant is going to be traded. The only questions are when and where. But with Durant trying to control his destination and his top choices being made public, it's time to breakdown what adding Durant would look like for each team.
While it's possible the Suns, a franchise in need of assets, take the best deal over catering to the preference of a star player, each of the teams on Durant's list have been reportedly interested in acquiring the two-time NBA Finals MVP for months.
Based on what ESPN's Shams Charania has reported, Durant's preferred new teams are the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat.
Houston Rockets
Likely impressed by their recent emergence, Durant would consider a move to Houston to help get the Rockets over the hump. And after a great season with a disappointing end, Durant could be the missing piece the Rockets need to become legitimate contenders in a tough Western Conference.
The Rockets have tons of talent and did produce a 52-win season as the West's No. 2 seed, but were eliminated in the first round by Golden State. And with most believing Houston needs a top star to turn regular-season success into a playoff run, trading for Durant would signal an "all-in" approach.
Basketball wise, Durant would fit in nicely with a core of Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. However, there's a concern for some about disrupting the chemistry of a team on the rise and what Houston would have to give up.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are long removed from their reign as a constant title contender. But with that said, they are also in a perfect spot to ascend quickly.
San Antonio has a unicorn-like star in Victor Wembanyama to build around as he serves as an attractive co-star for players looking for a new team.
Wembanyama would own the defensive end of the floor with his ability to block shots, allowing Durant to only worry about offense. He would also create second-chance opportunities with his work on the glass. They would be a match made in heaven for Spurs fans and a nightmare for everyone else.
The duo would be a force to be reckoned on both sides of the court and would likely attract other players willing to take less money to be along for the ride. Factor in De'Aaron Fox and the Spurs would have a rare modern-day Big 3.
The Spurs do have the draft capital to make a big trade happen, but could be hesitant as Wembanyama recovers from a blood clot issue that cut his sophomore season short.
Miami Heat
If Durant were to move East, Miami stands out as a viable location. Durant would most certainly love the no nonsense mentality of "Heat culture" and signal a shift to a new era in the first full season without Jimmy Butler.
Miami shelling out enough for Durant would be in contrast to how the franchise has acted in recent years. Despite multiple Finals trips, the Heat never showed any sense of urgency to pair Butler with a fellow perennial All-Star.
The addition of Durant would create more space for shooter Tyler Herro and even make life easier for center Bam Adebayo.
Note: The Timberwolves remain another team to watch, regardless of the report that Durant does not wish to be in Minnesota.
More must-reads:
- What leak of Kevin Durant's preferred teams tells us
- Ranking Kevin Durant's preferred destinations: West division foes offer biggest rewards
- The 'NBA Summer League MVPs' quiz
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