In a surprising revelation, former Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside has disclosed that the team nearly landed superstar Kevin Durant back in 2016, shortly after LeBron James’ departure. Whiteside, who played for the Heat from 2014 to 2019, shared the intriguing details during an appearance on “The OGs” podcast.
Whiteside’s Offer to Take Pay Cut
According to Whiteside, he had personally offered to take a pay cut in order to clear cap space for Durant’s potential arrival. Whiteside envisioned assembling an elite lineup alongside Durant, Goran Dragic, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
“I told Pat [Riley], I said if KD comes, I’ll take less money. It was more so about winning. We would have Goran, D-Wade, Kevin Durant, Chris Bosh, and then me at the five… I’m here for it,” Whiteside revealed on the podcast.
Durant’s Decision to Join Warriors
However, despite Whiteside’s efforts and the Heat’s aspirations, Durant ultimately decided to sign with the Golden State Warriors in 2016. Veteran Heat player Udonis Haslem suggested that the timing may not have been ideal for Miami, as the franchise was still navigating the aftermath of LeBron James’ departure in 2014. Haslem hinted that the pressure on Durant to fill the void left by James could have been overwhelming, potentially overshadowing his individual contributions and impacting the team’s dynamics.
Durant’s Successful Warriors Stint
Durant’s decision to join the Warriors proved to be a transformative move in his career, leading to two championship titles and consecutive Finals MVP accolades in 2017 and 2018. While the move sparked debates about his legacy, Durant’s achievements with the Warriors cemented his status as a proven winner in the league.
Heat’s Continued Pursuit of Titles
The Miami Heat, led by talents such as Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, continue to strive for championship success, with Durant’s potential impact serving as a compelling “what-if” scenario. The team’s efforts to enhance their roster have been ongoing, with the Heat exploring various trade options to bolster their chances of winning an NBA title.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, the Heat will look to build on their recent successes and potentially make a run at the championship. While the prospect of Kevin Durant joining the team may have faded, the Miami Heat remain committed to assembling a roster capable of competing at the highest level.
