Given that Phoenix is probably out of the running, Miami should take the lead as the Heat are one of the two teams on Durant's shortlist to which he would want to be moved.
The Heat does not want to trade away Adebayo, and the Nets are only lukewarm (at best) about a Tyler Herro/Duncan Robinson-based trade package. For KD as well.
In his interview with Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Adebayo didn't come off as someone who wanted to be traded.
I would [spend my entire career in Miami] if I could. Just for the chance to spend my entire career in this town. The majority of the neighborhood has seen me mature. Become something greater after getting selected randomly with the 14th overall choice in the draught. When others develop with you, it's simply one of those fantastic things.
He grew up in Miami as a player, so it makes sense that he has a connection to the team and the supporters.
Adebayo highlights the difficulty the Heat (and other clubs) have in acquiring Durant through trade.
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A club would be stripped to the point of becoming uncontenders if Brooklyn demanded a trade for an All-Star (or soon-to-be All-Star level) player under 25, along with additional players, numerous first-round selections, and swaps. Even with KD.
The Heat view Herro as having All-Star potential, but the Nets also want Adebayo (who, to be clear, has not been included in offers by Maimi). The Heat would be excellent, but would they be title contenders if they moved Adebayo, Herro, and another player for Durant? The Heat is near the same squad without Adebayo's 19.1 points (on 55.7 percent shooting), 10.1 rebounds, and All-Defensive Team caliber performance in the paint.
Boston is in a similar scenario; while they may view Durant as an improvement over Jaylen Brown, the Nets want Marcus Smart and more, and the Celtics cannot go that far.
The likelihood of Durant joining the Nets for training camp appears to be increasing. Or, at least, joining the Nets when camp begins
. The Heat won't budge from their position and won't include Adebayo in any deals.
Adebayo is happy about it, too.
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