The Miami Heat appear to be taking a hardline position in Kevin Durant trade talks that might be considered frustrating to the fan base. However, it's absolutely the best possible move for the Heat. As much as they need and desire a star player, KD may not be the target they should go all-in for. Interestingly enough, because of the shallow trade market for KD, the Heat still have a shot at landing the superstar forward.
Even in taking this calculated approach, the Heat could still end up big winners.
In the words of ESPN's Brian Windhorst, there shouldn't be much motivation for the Rockets, Spurs, Heat, or any other team that may have an offer on the table to improve it. If there's no conventional bidding war, each of those teams should remain at their hardline. That would leave the decision in Phoenix's hands at that point.
Considering the delay in a deal, it does seem as if that's exactly what is happening, which is the wise approach the Heat should continue to have. Why should the Heat go all-in or put together a deal that they don't feel comfortable offering if no other team is currently willing to do so? Sure, Miami is desperate to acquire a star player at some point this offseason, but they can't be that reckless, especially when the target is a soon-to-be 37-year-old superstar with some injury concerns.
As unpopular or divisive as it may be, the Heat are making the right decision to stand by their hardline offer. If they get KD, awesome. If not, the franchise should be able to live with the consequences. It appears that it is indeed the case.
What is the right hardline stance in the Heat's trade talks for Kevin Durant?
Predicting what the Heat's offer is, one that they're not willing to improve on, could be an interesting exercise. If I had to guess, I'd assume the offer they have made to the Suns involves expiring contracts (Duncan Robinson and/or Terry Rozier), one of Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jovic, the 20th overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, and a pick swap.
If the recent reporting that the Suns aren't "excited" about any offers on the table, I'd assume the Heat isn't offering any more future picks or Kel'el Ware at the moment. That could certainly change, but I don't believe that to be the case yet.
If this is indeed the case, the fan base should be all that upset if that's the line in the sand the Heat draws in their pursuit of KD. Because of his age, his contract situation, and the fact that the addition of KD alone doesn't make Miami a clear championship contender, there shouldn't be a ton of urgency or desperation to get a deal done.
Would Miami take KD? Sure. Absolutely. However, it doesn't appear that they're willing to break the bank for him. While that may have proven to be the wrong move in the past, that's 100 percent the right move in this specific situation.
