This season was one to forget in South Beach. The Miami Heat’s campaign unraveled from the jump—starting with the cloud of Jimmy Butler’s uncertainty hanging over the franchise like a storm. They clawed their way through a rocky regular season just to reach the playoffs, only to be flat-out embarrassed.

The Cavaliers didn’t just beat Erik Spoelstra’s squad—they dismantled them in a 4-0 sweep.The final gut punch? A 138-83 blowout in Game 4 that didn’t just end the Heat’s season—it stained it. For the first time in Spoelstra’s storied tenure, it looked like his team had simply checked out. And that’s a sentence no one thought would ever be written about a Miami Heat roster.

This disappointing end to the season has demanded a change in Miami as they head into the offseason earlier than expected. Their team president, Pat Riley, will be one of many in the franchise’s front office who’ll look to restore their championship status. One move that Pat Riley and Co. will have to make in order to do that will be to add a bona fide superstar to their ranks. The Heat team president spoke to the media in the final team conference of the season and revealed what the team’s next move could look like. The 80-year-old veteran stated that as the Heat makes plans to land a player, he might not be opposed to acquiring an “aging great player.”

“I think an aging great player, who may not be able to carry a team together, can rise to the occasion in the playoffs,” Riley stated. “If that player is the right name and the contract is the right length, I still think that an aging player can play. Look at LeBron [James]. I mean, look at these players. It’s incredible that players like LeBron and others that have played into their mid to late 30s and produced at a high level can help teams win championships, and you have to pick out the right one, but I’m not against that, no.” He took LeBron James’ name to make an example, that players in their late 30s are as good as any other player if they match the Heat’s plans.

While Riley did not take any names, one of the hottest players rumored to be available for trade in their 30s is none other than Kevin Durant. Durant’s name has been linked with the South Florida team for quite some time now. So, it won’t be a surprise if they make a move for the 36-year-old Phoenix Suns forward.

While Phoenix had a forgettable season, KD still delivered, averaging 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Moreover, he’ll make a solid addition to the team, forming a solid trio with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. The Heat does have the assets to get a deal done, but it might boil down to how much they are willing to give up.

So, it will be interesting to see how superstar hunting goes for Pat Riley and Co. Meanwhile, Riley lists another quality he’s looking for in their next star.

Pat Riley hopes to add an “alpha” to the team for next season

The Miami Heat are heading into the crucial offseason after a disappointing campaign. So, they hope to acquire a star that will not only fill the void left by Jimmy Butler, but also form a formidable partnership with the Heat’s two superstar’s Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.

The team president emphasized this during the conference as well. “I think of an alpha as your best player and your leader, and he’s the one who’s going to hold everybody accountable in all of those things, above just being a great player. And so, you know that comes with experience, and that comes with time.” Riley said.

He suggested that he thinks of an alpha as a player who can lead the team and hold everyone accountable. Indeed, Kevin Durant could be a fit for the Heat. Riley pointed out the team’s failure to close out games and how some lateral trades could enhance the team. So, the 36-year-old could emerge as the leader of the team and has the experience Pat Riley mentioned. Durant seems like a match made in heaven for the Heat, as his arrival in South Florida could make huge waves in the stacked Eastern Conference.

However, acquiring him won’t be an easy feat for the Heat. Several teams are competing for Durant’s signature, such as the Rockets, Mavs, Warriors, and even the Hawks. Pat Riley and Co. will have to find a way to attract the Suns’ attention by giving them a package that they are willing to accept.

Reportedly, Miami is hesitant to give away too much, especially their picks and young center Kel’el Ware. However, they are willing to make Jaime Jaquez Jr., Terry Rozier, or Duncan Robinson part of the deal. Will this be enough to attract Phoenix? Only time will tell as everyone monitors Miami’s offseason moves closely.