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[Saba Sports News] One rising prospect may ultimately determine where Kevin Durant lands this offseason.
As trade rumors swirl around Durant, interest in the Phoenix Suns star continues to build with the NBA season winding down. Durant, entering the final year of his contract, has reportedly listed just three teams he would sign an extension with—one of them being the Miami Heat.
And according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Heat’s willingness to part with young center Kel’el Ware could be the crucial “swing factor” in any potential deal. Phoenix, still looking to fill the void left by Deandre Ayton, sees Ware as a potential long-term solution at the center position.
Drafted 15th overall last year, Ware struggled to find minutes early in the season and briefly fell out of the rotation by December. But he surged in the second half of the year, becoming a starter in late January and showing real promise alongside Bam Adebayo. In 26 post-All-Star break games, the 7-footer averaged 10.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks, earning All-Rookie Second Team honors.
Miami lacks the depth of young assets that teams like the Spurs and Rockets could offer in a Durant deal. But if neither of those teams is willing to part with a prospect more valuable than Ware, he could be the key that unlocks a blockbuster move to bring KD to South Beach.