A few months ago, the entire basketball world was buzzing with the news of Kevin Durant’s free agency. After leaving the Phoenix Suns, Durant had several teams vying for his signature, with the Houston Rockets ultimately winning the race. However, one team that always seems to be linked to big-name free agents, the Miami Heat, did not manage to secure a deal with Durant. Recently, former Heat player Mario Chalmers shed some light on why Durant did not choose to join the Heat.
According to Chalmers, who played with the Heat from 2008 to 2015, Durant’s decision to not join the Heat was primarily due to his close relationship with his former teammate, James Harden. The two had played together in Oklahoma City before Harden was traded to the Rockets in 2012. Chalmers said, “Kevin and James are very close friends and they wanted to reunite on the court. That was a big factor in his decision.”
While the bond between Durant and Harden may have played a significant role in his decision, there were other factors at play as well. The Heat had been struggling in recent years, missing the playoffs for the past two seasons. On the other hand, the Rockets were coming off a strong season, finishing with a 65-17 record and reaching the Western Conference Finals. Durant, who is known for his competitive spirit, likely wanted to join a winning team rather than a struggling one.
Moreover, the Rockets also offered Durant a more enticing roster to play with. They had two All-Stars in Harden and Chris Paul, as well as a young and talented supporting cast. In contrast, the Heat had only one All-Star in Goran Dragic and an aging supporting cast. The chance to play with other superstars and compete for a championship was undoubtedly a major draw for Durant.
Another factor that may have played a part in Durant’s decision to not join the Heat was the team’s salary cap situation. The Heat did not have much cap space to offer Durant the type of contract he was looking for. In contrast, the Rockets were able to clear enough cap space to offer him a max contract. This was a crucial difference in negotiations as Durant was seeking a new long-term deal worth over $160 million.
Despite the disappointment of not being able to sign Durant, the Heat have not let it affect their morale. They have instead focused on building a strong team through other means. They recently acquired All-Star Jimmy Butler in a sign-and-trade deal and signed exciting young players such as Tyler Herro and Kendrick Nunn. These moves have brought new energy and optimism to the team, and Chalmers is confident that the team will continue to improve.
He also believes that Durant’s decision not to join the Heat was not a reflection of the organization’s culture or reputation. The Heat have a strong winning history and a culture of hard work and dedication, which has attracted top players in the past, such as LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Chalmers stated, “The Heat will always be an attractive destination for players. The culture and the organization speak for themselves.”
In the end, while the Heat may have missed out on signing Durant, it has not dampened their spirits. They continue to work hard and build a strong team, and Chalmers believes that they have a bright future ahead. As for Durant, he has found a new home with the Brooklyn Nets and will undoubtedly continue to be a top player in the league. The decision to not join the Heat may have been disappointing for some, but it was ultimately the right one for Durant, and his former teammate Chalmers supports him in his decision.
