Desmond Bane trade reveals Heat's cruel reality about chasing star players

If there's one thing that may be clear for the Miami Heat after the Desmond Bane trade that sent shockwaves across the NBA, it's that they may not be close to acquiring a star player. If Bane is worth four unprotected first-round picks and a pick swap, the Heat may not have the assets to pull off a trade for a bigger star player.

It's a cruel realization that may finally be setting in for the Heat. Sure, the Kevin Durant situation is a special one, but if they end up missing on that front, it could end up being quite the long offseason for Miami. If not KD, it's hard to envision how the Heat is going to land a star player with the limited assets they have at their disposal.

No offense to Bane, but if a player at this caliber is worth four unprotected first-round picks, there's no way the Heat could come close to acquiring a star that isn't KD.

Perhaps it makes it that much important for the Heat to close the deal on KD.

Why Kevin Durant is the perfect trade candidate for the Heat

Because of his age (soon to be 37) and his contract situation (entering the final year of his deal), KD is probably the most realistic star trade target for the Heat heading into the start of the offseason. Even then, there's still no guarantee that the Heat will be able to land KD. Even though there have been some encouraging signs for Miami on the KD trade front, Miami could still end up being outbid.

If that does end up happening to the Heat, it could lead to some big decisions heading into the rest of the offseason. And if the Bane deal is any indication, the Heat aren't in any position to explore any plan B options that include star players. That won't be music to Heat fans' ears.

Why the Heat's plan B won't involve targeting another star

For a team that is in desperate need of a new superstar to build around, especially after the fallout that took place between the team and Jimmy Butler this past season, it's hard to imagine where the team may go next if the KD window closes.

It's probably safe to assume that wherever that direction may be, it's probably not going to involve the pursuit of another star player. The Heat simply doesn't have the ammo to do so, especially in the current star market.

That's become pretty evident over the last couple of days.

To say that the Heat's offseason is so heavily dependent on what happens with KD would be a huge understatement. If the Heat miss out on KD, which is a situation that could be decided at any moment, it will certainly leave them in a bit of a limbo heading into the summer. At that point, nothing can be completely off the table.

Ironically, the trade of Bane may have made it clear that it may be time for a teardown in Miami. If they miss out on KD, it's going to be difficult for this franchise not to have that realization.