Talks about Kyrie Irving's seemingly inevitable exit from the Brooklyn Nets continue to heat up. One of the potential destinations that have been identified are the Miami Heat. As it turns out, however, Pat Riley and Co. aren't exactly going to move heaven and earth to be able to land the enigmatic point guard.
As a matter of fact, reports suggest that the Heat are much more interested in landing Kevin Durant in a potential blockbuster trade as opposed to a Kyrie swoop. This report comes via Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald:
But the Heat has far more interest in acquiring Durant than Irving, according to a source close to the situation… Any potential interest the Heat has in acquiring Irving, 30, will depend on what his price is on the trade market or in free agency. The belief is the Heat is not currently willing to give up its top assets to acquire Irving — a list that obviously includes Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, and also Tyler Herro.
As the report indicates, though, the Heat aren't ruling out an Irving trade. However, it is clear that they have no intention of breaking the bank in order to bring the seven-time All-Star to South Beach. Miami is reportedly concerned with Kyrie's health and availability. Injuries have led him to miss a multitude of games throughout the past few seasons, and so has his stance against the COVID-19 vaccine.
It might be a different case for Kevin Durant, though, should the Heat see any indication that the former MVP becomes available.