Kevin Durant is set to earn $51.2 million next season, with Bradley Beal making $50.2 million in the third year of his five-year contract, and Devin Booker anticipated to make around $49.4 million in the first season of his four-year extension. Jusuf Nurkić will be earning $18.1 million next year and is locked up for two more seasons. Grayson Allen recently signed a four-year, $70 million extension and will begin his first season under this deal next year. With these contracts in place, the Suns are projected to have the highest tax bill in the NBA next season, reaching $209 million.

Despite these financial commitments, owner Mat Ishbia stated last week that the team plans to maintain its starting lineup for the upcoming season, emphasizing the long-term contracts they have secured with key players like Durant, Beal, Booker, Nurkić, and Allen. However, there is some intrigue surrounding the Miami Heat after Pat Riley’s remarks about Jimmy Butler.

Durant recently attended the F1 Miami race, where he and Butler were both present. Betting odds suggest that Miami is the favorite destination for Durant if he doesn’t return to the Suns. Former NFL player Chad Johnson expressed confidence that the Heat could trade for Durant, citing a conversation he had with Durant where the player indicated openness to joining Miami if the circumstances were favorable for contending for a title.

However, Eddie Gonzalez, Durant’s podcast co-host, disputed Johnson’s comments on social media. It remains uncertain whether Johnson’s remarks carry any weight or if Durant has genuine interest in joining the Heat.