Reading Between the Lines: Pat Riley’s Presser Points to a Kevin Durant Pursuit

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.