Ever since word got out that Kevin Durant requested a trade, the Brooklyn Nets have received offers from teams around the league. This includes the Miami Heat, which is a top contender for Durant personally. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Durant has a few teams on his “wish list,” including the Heat and the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix and Miami are among two of the teams that Kevin Durant has on his wish list, sources tell ESPN, but the Nets plan to move Durant where they can get the best possible deal. With four years on his contract, there's no shortage of teams willing to unload assets for Durant.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022
Unfortunately for the Heat, there's a 6'11 barrier in the way. Miami plans on giving up Bam Adebayo in a trade for Durant. However, according to Spotrac's Keith Smith, this isn't a possibility while Ben Simmons is still in Brooklyn.
The Nets can't acquire Bam Adebayo if they keep Ben Simmons. They can't have two Designated Rookie guys acquired via trade.
So, who do the Heat offer up to the Nets? Remember, you have to match $44M in salary!
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 30, 2022
According to NBA rules, a team cannot roster two designated rookie-scale-contract players that are acquired through trade.
Simmons falls under this category because he was a huge part of the Nets' blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia 76ers in February. The Nets acquired multiple players and draft picks in exchange for James Harden and Paul Millsap. Adebayo, if involved in the trade, would also fall under this category.
So, what now?
Well, there are a few obvious ways for the Heat to get Durant to Miami. One, they could make a trade not involving Adebayo. The only issue there is that they're running out of players to give up. Two, the Nets could part ways with Simmons to bypass the issue completely, but this is highly unlikely. There are multiple suitors vying for Durant this offseason, and right now, the Heat aren't looking too hot.
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