Heat emerging as frontrunner for Texas legend Kevin Durant with Andrew Wiggins centered offer

The Kevin Durant sweepstakes continue to heat up, with more teams entering the mix. Once the NBA Finals conclude on Sunday night, Durant is expected to become the hottest topic across the league. He’s currently eyeing a few potential destinations and has been working with the Suns to help facilitate a deal that suits him. Several teams appear to be just one or two pieces away from making a serious offer.

“The Suns have a price threshold that they want met in a trade for Kevin Durant and I had one team tell me today it's a game of chicken right now... The Rockets, Heat, and Timberwolves are literally one or two pieces away from getting a deal done,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.

However, Durant is reportedly concerned that the Suns might send him somewhere he doesn’t want to go.

“[Kevin Durant] definitely doesn’t want to go to Minnesota. But I think there is some fear from him & Rich Kleiman that—They’re hoping that there’s going to be respect at Kevin’s age to give him what he wants rather than try to trade him like he’s 31 years old,” said Marc J. Spears.

A potential deal with the Miami Heat is gaining traction, and Suns beat writer Evan Sidery outlined a package that could soon be on the table.

“The Heat’s offer for Kevin Durant could become the top option if the Texas teams are not willing to increase their proposals soon. Miami can build an enticing package for the Suns around Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jović and/or Jaime Jaquez, No. 20 overall pick, plus a future 1st,” Sidery wrote.

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If Durant lands in Miami, he may receive the contract extension money that was once earmarked for Jimmy Butler.

“So if Miami, then Durant would get the extension money that didn’t go to Butler. If,” wrote South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman.

Joining forces with head coach Erik Spoelstra at this stage of his career would likely benefit Durant. The Heat would instantly become NBA Finals contenders—and most importantly, Durant would be in a situation that satisfies both his competitive and personal preferences.