2016 NBA Free Agency Rumors: Kevin Durant Considering Miami Heat?

Jun 27, 2016 09:48 AM EDT

Based on rumors alone, Kevin Durant is probably one of the most highly anticipated players in the NBA that will become a free agent next month. Ever since news about his free agency status emerged, various reports have already began associating him with various teams.

One of those is the team from Miami. According to The Oklahoman, sports agents predicted that Durant could end up in Miami. If not, he might sign with the Golden State Warriors instead.

Either way, the agents noted that Durant is looking for a team that has a good chance of heading into and winning the NBA finals next year.

"So Golden State and Miami become the only real players," the unnamed agent told the news site. "It's too hard to justify a move to Los Angeles or New York because they are not close to winning. Houston's out."

Although it would seem that the Heat and Warriors are neck and neck in signing Durant, the Sun Sentinel reported that the former is the only team that has been granted a one-on-one meeting with the athlete for now.

This means that Miami could get the lead in presenting an offer to the free agent.

However, as pointed out by the news site, offering a contract to Durant may not be as easy as it seems for the team. Currently, Miami has a cap space of around $43 million. That may seem enough but given the fact that the team is also planning on getting Hassan Whiteside and Dwayne Wade, who are expected receive payouts of up to $22 and $20 million respectively, the Heat may not have enough for Durant.

Based on the team's current status, they could consider releasing a different player, making salary cuts, or let go of its plans to get either Whiteside or Wade just to sign the small forward from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

However, these may not happen if Durant chooses to re-sign with OKC, which he is also expected to do. According to rumors, he could sign a short-term deal with the team and return to the free agent's list next summer.