Kevin Durant might be the hottest name on the summer trade market — but that didn’t stop him from gushing over Darius Garland in real time. And now, fans are wondering if the love was just about hoops… or something deeper.

During the Cavaliers’ dominant first-round sweep of the Miami Heat, Garland delivered a ridiculous no-look dime to Evan Mobley for a dunk that had fans out of their seats. Kevin Durant clearly watching, couldn’t help but weigh in.

“That was one of them passes Darius. Goodness gracious,” KD tweeted, instantly firing up Cavs fans… and maybe poking the bear in Miami.

It was a simple compliment on the surface. But considering the context? Fans are reading between the lines.

The Heat, fresh off a disappointing 37-45 campaign and a first-round exit handed to them by Garland and the Cavs, are reportedly preparing a strong push for Kevin Durant this offseason, per Marc Stein. Pat Riley has already hinted at philosophical and roster overhauls, and the pursuit of a true franchise cornerstone to lead the next era feels right on brand.

Miami Heat has flexibility — expiring contracts like Duncan Robinson’s, some intriguing young pieces, and rumored interest in flipping assets for someone like Andrew Wiggins as part of a larger plan.

The Timberwolves, who flirted with a Kevin Durant trade at the deadline, are also considered a serious contender if their playoff run ends early.

Meanwhile, Durant showed love to Garland while the Cavs were taking on the Pacers — just days after Cleveland bounced the Heat, one of the teams chasing him. So now fans are wondering: Is KD just enjoying the show, or low-key eyeing his next move?

You Want Kevin Durant? It’s Gonna Cost You.

Let’s be real, Phoenix flopped this year. A 36-46 finish, no playoff, and a roster that looked more like a spreadsheet than a team. Kevin Durant, despite being 36, was still elite — 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, 4.2 assists on 52.7% shooting and 43% from three in 62 games. That’s clearly not washed.

Kevin Durant is entering the final year of his four-year, $194.2 million contract with the Suns, set to earn $54.7 million in the 2025-26 season. And the Suns are already above the dreaded second tax apron. Transition: they need to make some decision — and soon.

League sources say Phoenix isn’t interested in taking pennies on the dollar. They want a return that mirrors what they gave up for Kevin Durant in 2023. multiple first-rounders and a young player. Ideally, it comes via a multi-team deal so they can dump salary and avoid further tax hell.

In short: if you want KD, you better pay up. No senior discount.

And the Heat?  they’re back at the table, but this isn’t the same “all-in” version from last year. Barry jackson of The Miami Herald reports that Miami isn’t throwing every asset on the pile this time — especially not all three of their available firsts. Makes sense. Kevin Durant’s a legend, but he’s 36 and on an expiring contract.

A realistic package from Miami Heat looks something like:

• Andrew Wiggins (if they can snag him in a separate deal)

• Duncan Robinson’s $19.8M expiring contract

• A young player

• One or two picks, not all three

It’s a calculated swing — they’re looking to reload, not rebuild. And Pat Riley made it clear in exit interviews: changes are coming. Miami’s window isn’t closed — but they need help fast.

Durant’s still that guy. He’s not carrying a franchise solo anymore, but as a second or third option, he’s lethal. He stretches defenses, kills mismatches, and shoots the lights out. The issue isn’t talent — it’s timing, money, and health.

Phoenix has to retool. Miami needs star power. Minnesota’s lurking. The offers are coming. But only one team will land the Slim Reaper — and only if they’re willing to meet the Suns’ steep asking price.

Until then, Durant’s just hoop-watching… and maybe, just maybe, laying out his free agency vision 280 characters at a time.