Miami Heat NBA 2015 free agency rumor: Kevin Durant considers joining Miami in 2016?

Wikimedia Commons/Keith Allison

Oklahoma City Thunder star and 2014 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kevin Durant is reportedly placing the Miami Heat on top of his list once he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2016. 

Durant, together with the likes of Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers), Joe Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), and Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat), will be part of the pool of players who will be free agents in the next offseason. 

Even before, Durant has been rumored to be leaving the Thunder once his contract expires and linked to his hometown team, the Washington Wizards. 

For a pretty long time the Wizards seemed to be the frontrunners in landing Durant if he leaves Oklahoma City, but now, the Heat are coming into the situation. 

A report posted on the Heat Nation's website cited a tweet from Akash Malhotra of ESPN last Sept. 21. In the said tweet, he said, "Sources close to the situation say if KD does decide to leave he will be considering Washington and Miami the highest. Will listen to teams." 

According to the report, the Heat can offer a four-year contract if Durant leaves the Thunder since they will have $37.4 million in cap space come 2016. 

But the report added that the biggest issue would be the contracts for Wade and emerging center Hassan Whiteside if Durant decides to be in Miami by 2016. 

Although as of the moment, it seems like the 26-year-old forward will not be leaving Oklahoma City and is focused on the upcoming season

In Durant's trip to Spain earlier this month, where he claimed that he is still the best player in the world, the six-time All-Star also spoke about the Thunder. 

He said the team is ready to take on the challenge of playing as one and is looking forward to have a good season.

Durant missed majority of last season due to foot injuries that plagued him but recently obtained clearance to do all kinds of basketball activities.