Miami Heat eye DeRozan and Kuminga as backup plans if Kevin Durant deal falls through

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If the Miami Heat can’t convince the Phoenix Suns to trade Kevin Durant, they still have some strong alternatives to pursue.

As the dust settles on the Miami Heat’s chaotic season, they look to chart a course forward for the next season.

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The hysteria of the Jimmy Butler trade is now in their rear-view mirror. The issue between Butler and team president Pat Riley proved to be a real distraction for the team.

But as one trade saga ends, another begins, as the Heat are one of the teams involved in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes.

While they face heavy competition in this race, Riley has an advantage. The Heat are on Durant’s list of preferred destinations

But if the Heat can’t convince the Phoenix Suns to trade Kevin Durant, where else can they look? Well, one NBA insider has named two players they can target instead.

Miami Heat should target DeMar DeRozan and Jonathan Kuminga

Jake Fischer’s recent report shed a lot of insight into the Miami Heat’s plans. While the Heat are doing everything they can to land Kevin Durant, they must consider some safety options.

Fischer mentioned DeMar DeRozan as an option the Heat have their eyes on. Additionally, Jonathan Kuminga is also on the Heat’s radar.

“The Kings’ DeMar DeRozan is another former All-Star who is widely perceived to be available via trade and who could emerge as a fallback trade target for teams that miss out on Durant…

“Sacramento-based James Ham followed up that report this week by asserting that DeRozan could be on Miami’s radar if Durant goes elsewhere.

“The immediate future of Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga would appear to be even more clouded by Durant uncertainty than DeRozan’s.

“Maybe Miami, for example, would make a sign-and-trade run at Kuminga in the event that the Heat don’t win the trade race to acquire the league’s No. 8 all-time leading scorer. Sources say Miami has registered a level of interest in Kuminga in previous transaction cycles.”

Pat Riley should focus on Jonathan Kuminga over Kevin Durant

While Kevin Durant is undoubtedly one of the NBA’s best players, even at age 37, perhaps the Miami Heat turn to some younger options.

DeRozan poses a similar problem as Durant when it comes to age, while not nearly being as lethal on the offensive end.

Whereas with Kuminga, the Heat can land a young star with a lot of potential and championship experience from the Warriors.

Despite Steve Kerr not trusting Kuminga, the young forward played well this season. He averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, and had some strong performances in the playoffs.

Pairing him in the front court with Andrew Wiggins, a player he played with for years on the Warriors, will only make their more comfortable.

The Heat are known for their brilliant development of stars. And if they can land Kuminga, they will have a score-first forward they can develop quickly, while maximizing their All-Star trio of Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Andrew Wiggins.