The WNBA’s opening weekend kicked off and there was no shortage of high-level entertainment. There were record-setting nights, DeWanna Bonner moved past Tina Thompson for third all-time in WNBA regular-season scoring and the number one pick Paige Bueckers was ordinary in her debut against the Lynx.

Notably, the Valkyries’ first ever home game had the largest weekend attendance at 18,000+ fans per ESPN.

Let’s review what stood out over the opening weekend:

1. Napheesa Collier is a lethal weapon:

The Lynx started the season without versatile sharpshooter Kayla MacBride (personal reasons) and Alanna Smith (thigh injury, came back for the second game). Their absences weren’t felt too much against mid-level outfits, as last year’s runners-up relied on their star player. Napheesa Collier tore past schemes against the Wings and Sparks with cuts, catch-and-shoot jumpers, and catch-and-go moves. She was the weekend’s second-leading scorer, averaging 28.5 points on 56.4% shooting, with five rebounds and 2.5 assists.

Collier is the best player in the WNBA at moving without the ball, and she is also one of the most relentless paint attackers. After Friday’s win over the Wings, she said, “More than MVP, I want us to win a championship this year so that’s what I’m focused on. The awards come after that.”

2. The revamped Fever:  

The Fever had their largest season-opening win in franchise history (93-58) as the Sky visited, and coach Stephanie White got her first dub with her new team. Caitlin Clark registered a triple-double- 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 offerings- as the team ran extra motion in the offense and was more prepared on defense.

The Fever’s new additions, Natasha Howard and DeWanna Bonner, fit well too. The former is a two-way pest who fights for 50-50 balls and is ultra-efficient at the rim. The latter only made 22% of attempts but is another sharpshooter who will thrive on the separation created by Clark and Aliyah Boston.

They led by as much as 35, but the score could have looked much uglier if the Fever hadn’t missed nine free throws or had the services of their other release valve, Sophie Cunningham.

3. Kelsey Plum is getting her respect back

Plum debuted with her new LA squad after being traded in a six-team deal. She looked like her old self, strong and scoring on the catch plus dribble from short and long range. She finished with 37 points, a WNBA record in a season opener, on 58% shooting, spoiling the Valkyries’ first home regular-season game.

The Sparks next hosted the Lynx on Sunday, losing 89-75. Plum fouled out from an off-hand push, but her early fourth-quarter close-range basket cut the deficit to five before the Sparks fell apart.

Plum’s potency dropped off last season, but it can’t be ignored how she was going through the struggles of an embarrassing divorce from an idiot.

4. Natasha Cloud gives the Liberty another dimension:

The defending champs’ backcourt is more dynamic than it’s ever been since Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones teamed up in 2023. Natasha Cloud, 33, averages a 2.52 assist-to-turnover ratio for her career, and she has burst on the dribble, getting two feet inside the paint when she wants. She is also a great option when Ionescu can’t get open. For example, the team could have Stewart, Jones or Ionescu as the screeners for Cloud to get inside and/or have one of them in the corner. The defense usually sags off the corners to prevent dribble penetration.

5. Angel Reese is adding more moves to her game:

Coach Tyler Marsh has the right ideas for Reese, expanding her offense farther away from the basket so that the tandem with Kamilla Cardoso continues to blossom. Reese was attacking more on the dribble from the perimeter. This is an excellent idea because a larger, athletic body like hers puts more pressure on a defense when forcefully slashing to the basket. For now, her handle has to get tighter because it’s too easy to rip the ball from her. It will be one of the points of emphasis this season.

As the NBA playoffs rage on, a seismic rumor is shaking up the league’s narrative: Kevin Durant to the Miami Heat.

No, it’s not official. But the whispers are getting louder. With Miami looking for a new direction and Durant reportedly unhappy with Phoenix’s direction, the fit suddenly feels real. If it happens, it reshapes the Eastern Conference overnight.

The Current Eastern Landscape: Who’s Standing Tall?

This season, the East has been a rollercoaster. The Knicks and Pacers are standing tall amid injuries that have crippled the Celtics and Sixers, turmoil in Milwaukee, and disappointment in Cleveland. Meanwhile, the rest of the conference struggles to find consistency. The Heat remain in the mix, quietly waiting in the background.

Miami has shown a willingness to manage an aging star, eager to get back into serious contention. Every year brings its share of trade rumors, but this one could be different. The question is: even with Durant, would the Heat have enough to topple the conference’s top contenders? Or would it just be another high-profile gamble in a league that’s always hungry for the next big shakeup?

Kevin Durant’s Fit with the Miami Heat: A Perfect Match?

At first glance, Kevin Durant joining the Miami Heat makes a lot of sense on paper. Durant is one of the most versatile scorers in NBA history, capable of creating his own shot from anywhere on the court. Pairing that with Miami’s physical, defense-first mentality led by Erik Spoelstra and Bam Adebayo could create a well-rounded championship contender.

Durant’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting would open up driving lanes for Herro and other playmakers, giving the Heat’s offense more dynamism and unpredictability. Miami’s emphasis on tough, smart defense would also benefit from Durant’s length and experience—he’s not just a scorer but a capable defender when motivated.

Offensively, Durant would take some pressure off Miami’s perimeter shooters allowing them to flourish in catch-and-shoot roles. Meanwhile, his presence would force opposing defenses to focus more attention on Miami’s star players, creating space and opportunities for the entire roster.

Leadership-wise, Durant’s championship experience with the Warriors and Nets adds a new dimension. Miami has built a culture of accountability under coach Erik Spoelstra and President Pat Riley, and Durant’s veteran mindset could blend well—or become a point of tension. Given Miami’s history of managing star egos effectively, there’s reason to believe they could integrate Durant’s superstar presence into their locker room culture.

All told, if the Heat pull off this deal, the combination of Durant’s scoring prowess and Miami’s team-oriented toughness might just be the key to pushing them from contenders to champions.

The Trade Package: A Realistic Path to Durant?

For Miami to land Kevin Durant, they’d have to part with a mix of young talent, veteran shooting, and draft capital. A realistic offer might look like this:

Miami Receives:

• Kevin Durant

Phoenix Receives:

• Kel’el Ware (or Nikola Jović, depending on who’s dealt)

• Andrew Wiggins

• Duncan Robinson

• Two future first-round picks

From Phoenix’s perspective, this brings in a promising big man, a sharpshooter in Robinson, and a wing in Wiggins who can still contribute at a high level—plus draft capital to reset the clock. For Miami, it’s all-in on a win-now window.

This trade allows the Heat to keep their core trio of Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Durant intact. More importantly, it opens up new offensive possibilities and defensive versatility, especially with Bam anchoring the back line.

And while trading away picks limits future flexibility, Miami’s history under Pat Riley has always leaned toward aggressive moves for proven stars over future unknowns. This deal follows that blueprint.

A New Big Three in the East: Herro, Bam, and Durant

If Kevin Durant joins the Heat, Miami’s core would transform into one of the most intriguing Big Threes in the Eastern Conference. Jimmy Butler has long been the heart and soul of Miami’s grit and grind, but with Durant, the offensive firepower would skyrocket. Pairing KD with Bam Adebayo—a versatile two-way force—and Tyler Herro, an emerging sharpshooter and scorer, gives Miami a unique blend of scoring, defense, and youth.

Ranking Justification:

Based on this breakdown, I still lean towards ranking the potential Heat’s Big Three as the third best in the East, but with the potential to rise:

1. Tatum, Brown, and White: Their established two-way chemistry, consistent high-level play, and proven playoff success give them the edge.
2. Brunson, KAT, and Hart/Bridges: The Knicks have showcased their abilities this postseason and are a step away from the finals, demonstrating their current high level of play and potential.
3. Herro, Bam, and Durant: The offensive ceiling with Durant is incredibly high, and Bam provides an elite defensive anchor. However, the trio would need time to build chemistry, and Durant’s age and injury history introduce some uncertainty. If they gel quickly and Durant stays healthy, they could easily surpass the Sixers.
4. Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley: They have potential, but their playoff performances and defensive consistency haven’t reached the level of the others.
5. Haliburton, Turner, and Siakam: While talented, they might lack the consistent high-level scoring punch and defensive versatility of the top three yet they still remain in the playoffs so we will see how they continue to develop.
6. Embiid, Maxey, and Paul George: The sheer offensive firepower and defensive potential are immense, but the significant health concerns surrounding Embiid make them a riskier proposition.

While Herro is still developing as a star, the combination of his shooting and playmaking with Bam’s inside presence and KD’s scoring versatility would push Miami into the upper echelon of the East’s contenders.

The Risks: Age and Durability Concerns

The obvious risk is Durant’s age and injury history. At 36, he’s no longer the young, explosive scorer he once was. The last few seasons have been marred by injuries, and durability will be a major question mark if Miami bets heavily on him to carry a significant load.

Miami’s history and apparent willingness of managing star minutes and load is a plus, but relying on Durant to be the difference-maker in high-stakes playoff moments comes with some gamble. There’s also the question of how much the Heat are willing to sacrifice long-term flexibility and cap space to accommodate a veteran star potentially nearing the twilight of his career.

Flexibility and Future Outlook

Despite those risks, the addition of Durant could actually give Miami more flexibility in roster construction. KD’s ability to play multiple positions and stretch the floor allows the Heat to mix and match lineups creatively, freeing up role players to thrive around the trio.

Keeping Jovic or Ware will be essential in the success of a KD, Bam and Herro “big three” and Miami will be right amongst the top of the East.

A view I give for those to think about, KD is on an expiring and it is currently unknown if he is looking for an extension (like Jimmy was), Herro is up for a max extension, and it is plausible that the Heat don’t know if he deserves it yet.

Well if Herro once again leaps to that next level with a guy like Durant, Herro can prove to himself and the Heat that he is worth the money, and if it works out with KD, Miami could  extend him (albeit they would have to match other offers), or pivot to one of the available free agents next summer (Fox, Young, Doncic, Simons). This is just a way to think in the shoes of the front office, a move for KD can really show if Bam and Tyler can bring a championship back to South Beach.

Depth Still a Priority

While Kevin Durant would undoubtedly bring elite scoring, championship experience, and star power to South Beach, the Miami Heat’s issues run deeper than just adding one superstar. Durant alone won’t solve the team’s lack of depth, which was exposed during last year’s postseason and has continued to plague the roster. Miami needs consistent bench production, reliable secondary scoring, and interior presence—especially if they plan to compete with the deeper, more balanced contenders in the East. The front office must ensure that acquiring Durant doesn’t come at the cost of gutting the supporting cast, or they risk repeating the same mistakes that have kept them from raising another banner.

Conclusion: A Gamble Worth Making?

In today’s NBA, championship windows are short, and opportunities to land a generational scorer like Kevin Durant don’t come often. For the Miami Heat, the decision to pursue Durant is not without risk—but it’s the kind of calculated swing Pat Riley’s front office has taken before. If Miami believes in the foundation of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, bringing in Durant could be the catalyst that transforms a solid core into a legitimate title contender.

Durant’s arrival wouldn’t guarantee a ring, but it would raise Miami’s ceiling, add another chapter to their fearless pursuit of greatness, and potentially usher in a new era of Heat basketball. Whether it ends in a parade or another “what if,” the move would undeniably make Miami the center of the NBA conversation—and that alone might be worth the risk.

The Pacers took a gigantic 3-1 lead in the series as they shamed the first-seeded Cavaliers by 20 and at one point led by 44. They flexed most of their powers as they sensed weakness in their opponent, leaving them with an indelible nightmare. Keep in mind that a 3-1 comeback has been completed only 13 times in NBA history. The Nuggets were the last to do it in consecutive series in the 2020 bubble.

That didn’t stop Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert from trying to channel the spirit of their past championship team on his X(formerly Twitter) account: “Hey @cavs fans… yes it was an ugly one, but we’ve been here before. Time to get 3 in a row, 2 of them coming at home. Let’s start with Game 5 on Tuesday. #Believeland”

The hosts of the Gainbridge madhouse didn’t even need Bennedict Mathurin, one of their top bench players of the series, who got ejected for swiping at De’Andre Hunter over seven minutes into the game. Obi Toppin was the go-to reserve, tattooing 20 points on 64% shooting on Cleveland before the fourth quarter. 

The Cavaliers were a -390 favorite on DraftKings and -550 on FanDuel before the series started. They won 64 regular season matches and destroyed the Heat by a combined 122 points in a sweep in round one. Yet their injuries soured the season. They were dangerous in the first three games primarily because Donovan Mitchell is having an epic playoff run. He hurt his ankle during halftime warmups and didn’t play the second half of Game 4. 

As the series shifts to back to Cleveland for Game 5, the Cavaliers are likely as finished as a medieval prisoner headed for the chopping block. And how can they not be mentally shattered? They’ve been getting physically pounded all series, the Game 2 loss was one of the worst in franchise history in spite of the absences to Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and Hunter, and the latest beat down had them dazed and confused like a prime Deontay Wilder right hand to the dome.

The Pacers are a threat to win it all because they understand better than any team that the pass is way more effective than dribbling to move the ball. They log the most passes in the playoffs and 23.4 more than the second team, which is the Warriors. 

Indiana has a great squad- athleticism, size and speed- around an unselfish superstar who can hit big-time shots. Tyrese Haliburton hunted Jarrett Allen at the end of Game 1 and buried the winning shot in his face with a step-back trey two nights later. At least four Pacers are shooting a minimum of 44% on playoff 3-pointers and six are averaging double-figure scoring. Nikola Jokić must be watching, wishing and wondering how the Nuggets could have a bench like theirs. And Pat Riley can’t help but notice how far off the Heatles are from Eastern contention. 

The Pacers are on the verge of consecutive Eastern Conference Finals trips and have replaced the Heat following the 2023 playoffs as the conference’s top culture because they maximize talent and can win as the underdog. Still, coach Rick Carlisle said his team hadn’t done anything yet and would “keep approaching this like we have everything to prove. We know people don’t believe in us…” 

Haliburton said the team can be counted on to respond the right way. He’s correct. How many more times do they have to prove it?

Pat Riley didn’t need to say Kevin Durant’s name.

As he wrapped up his annual end-of-season press conference on Monday, the Miami Heat president left behind a trail of cryptic but calculated quotes — and a clear message beneath it all: the Heat are gearing up to chase an alpha, and all signs point to Kevin Durant.

From opening with a refusal to rehash the regular season — “I don’t wanna really discuss” — to ending with a declaration on acquiring a star — “If that talent can help and he’s humble, that’s fine. If it translates to winning, that’s all that counts” — Riley sent a signal to the rest of the NBA. Miami is plotting something big. Again.

The Blueprint Is in Motion

The word “blueprint” came up more than once during Riley’s time at the podium — a nod to the long-term planning Miami has famously leaned on in the past.

“We took the deal that we felt was best for us now and in the future,” Riley said of the Jimmy deal, “Our draft picks are in better order… we have a lot of flexibility. That’s where the blueprint is coming from this summer.”

That flexibility didn’t happen by accident. The Heat were boxed in by salary and short on picks as recently as February. Now, they’re one Kevin Durant trade away from what they believe is transforming again — just as they did in 2010.

When asked if the long-term planning approach used before the Big Three era still applies, Riley admitted: “It’s a little bit different in how you plan now.” But the context is the same: Riley doesn’t wait for change. He engineers it.

Durant Fits the Mold, Again

Riley spent several minutes defending the viability of aging stars, even while most around the league are shifting toward youth.

“I think an aging great, great player who may not be able to carry a team… together, they can rise in the Playoffs,” Riley said, citing the Warriors’ veteran core. “You have to pick out the right one. But I’m not against that, no.”

Durant, 35, still averaged over 27 points per game on elite efficiency. He may no longer carry a team alone, but in Miami, he wouldn’t need to. With Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, he could be the final piece in a reloaded contender.

And crucially, Riley said he’s open to bringing in a true alpha — but with one caveat: “If that talent can help and he’s humble, that’s fine. If it translates to winning, that’s all that counts.” Durant, has never been a locker room problem. In fact, he’s admired Miami’s culture — and was once close to joining it.

“Run it back? We’re not gonna do that.”

That quote from Riley couldn’t be clearer. He shut the door on continuity, despite praising the team’s heart and competitiveness. While internal growth will always matter, he admitted: “I don’t think we can go there.”

So what can they do?

Riley hinted at “lateral trades,” pointing to the 2020 additions of Jae Crowder, Andre Iguodala, and Solomon Hill. But he also noted that those moves didn’t cost an alpha — a sign that Miami might be looking to add without subtracting its core.

“We know what we have to do,” Riley said. “We’ve done this before.”

Herro and Bam Staying Put?

When asked about Tyler Herro’s future, Riley praised his timing and fit: “I’m glad that we got him. Got he and Bam at the right time and we’ll move forward with that.” He echoed Herro’s “pay me now or pay me later” line but added, “We haven’t committed to it. We’ve already talked to him about it. He’s cool.”

It’s possible Herro could be part of a Durant deal, but Riley’s tone suggested the Heat may instead aim to add to their core — not dismantle it. That would mean finding a way to land Durant while keeping Herro and Bam, potentially with a larger package centered on draft capital and other players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jović.

What’s Next

The final takeaway from Riley’s remarks: Miami “probably” won’t run it back. They’re prepared for major change. And they believe they have the infrastructure, cap flexibility, and credibility to make a move.

All that’s left is the right star to become available.

Durant fits the description. He’s an aging alpha who can still dominate, respects the Heat’s culture, and could slide into a Big Three that’s already built to win now. If the Suns make him available, Pat Riley will be on the phone — and this time, he may not leave empty-handed.