Inside The Heat

NBA Reporter Envisions Phoenix Suns Superstar In Miami Heat's Future?

Anthony Pasciolla|
Apr 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) walks back to the bench against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) walks back to the bench against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during game two of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports | Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat are not in position to compete in the Eastern Conference against teams such as the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks.

The Heat are not known for rebuilding their roster from scratch, but instead, finding new stars to continue battling for championships. NBA reporter Dan Le Batard, who is based in Miami, believes the Heat will once again choose this route by targeting Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant.

"Pat Riley doesn't have any reason in the world to still be working at his age, approaching 80," Le Batard said on his show. "He's not going to wait around for another young team to ferment... I have assumed that the next play is going to be an assortment of pieces that gets Jimmy Butler for one year, maximum Jimmy Butler, and then he's going to try to get [Kevin] Durant again. I've assumed that's the move they're going to try and get in play for because I don't see a better one."

Even if acquiring Durant means parting ways with much of their future, a title negates any long-term damages. It's undoubtedly a risk considering the lack of success the Suns' Big Three had in their first season together, but as Le Batard pointed out, Riley is likely running out of time in the NBA.

Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com