Who can Heat target after losing out on Kevin Durant?

With Durant off the board, the Heat must pivot. They still need to improve a roster that was swept in the opening round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. Fortunately, there are a couple of players who could make sense as a backup option for Miami.

Jonathan Kuminga 

In a June 21 report, Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer cited Kuminga as a potential target for the Heat, should they strike out in pursuit of Durant.

"There is a belief among some rival teams, for example, that Miami could emerge as a potential Kuminga suitor — among various guards and swingmen that the Heat could target — if Pat Riley and Co. do not win the Durant Trade Sweepstakes," Fischer wrote.

Kuminga is a restricted free agent this summer. Miami would need to acquire him via a sign-and-trade. Therefore, Pat Riley would be hard-capping the Heat at the first luxury-tax apron for the coming season. Base-year compensation rules could add another layer of difficulty to any potential negotiation.

Nevertheless, Kuminga would be a long-term play for the Heat. He would improve the roster on both sides of the floor. However, it's his All-Star potential that could entice the Heat to the negotiating table.

DeMar DeRozan 

If Riley still prefers to go down the veteran route, DeMar DeRozan could emerge as a strong trade target. Things haven't worked out as planned with the Sacramento Kings. They may be willing to accept a fair trade offer for the six-time All-Star. 

DeRozan would instantly slot into the Heat's rotation as the primary scorer. His mid-range game is among the best in the NBA. Furthermore, DeRozan is an underrated playmaker and could thrive with the ball in his hands.

Nevertheless, it's unclear what the Kings would want in return, or if Miami would be willing to eat the final two years on his $58 million deal. 

Russell Westbrook

If the Heat would rather add a stopgap to the rotation, as they wait for their cap space to free up next year, then Westbrook would be a strong option. He's still talented enough to operate as a starting guard. Furthermore, it's been a while since we saw him operate as the primary option within a team's offense.

Signing Westbrook in free agency would signal Miami is making a play for a big fish next summer. After losing out on Durant, that would probably be the smart play.