The Heat could absolutely screw the Rockets in Kevin Durant extension talks

As the Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade with the Phoenix Suns this offseason, the entire organization was aware of the risk they were taking on in acquiring a player of Durant's caliber with only one year remaining on his contract.

Yet, although the organization remains outwardly confident that they will be able to resign durant once their extension talks with Tari Eason are resolved, the lurking Miami Heat could ultimately bring the worst-case scenario upon the ascending Rockets.

While Houston ultimately only did deal Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Khaman Maluach and limited draft capital for Durant, their entire offense is likely to be restructured around him this season, and his departure next offseason could leave the team in a disastrous spot.

The Miami Heat's plan for Kevin Durant could be disastrous for the Rockets

In the initial Durant sweepstakes, which had a false start at the trade deadline and entered full swing as the playoffs wore on, there were a number of teams initially interested. However, the ultimate true contenders for his services were the Rockets and the Heat.

While Miami ultimately fell short in their pursuit as a result of their unwillingness to part from either Kel'el Ware or Nikola Jovic: a hesitancy that puzzled many fans around the NBA.

At the same time, however, Durant, as usual, was rather particular about his ultimate trade destination, meaning that he had no ultimate objection to Phoenix accepting Houston's final offer. Nevertheless, there was no reported hesitancy on Durant's part to the idea of going to Miami either, meaning that, if the Heat were to throw a hefty contract his way next offseason, things could get dire for the Rockets.

Moreover, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald believes the Heat could and should be interested in Durant were he not to reach an agreement with Houston prior to next offseason.

With the lingering promise of a max contract, thinks could get seriously dicey as the Rockets attempt to extend Durant.

If Durant were to leave after one season, would the trade still be worth it for Houston?

On the one hand, they've turned themselves into bona-fide championship contenders, adding one of the most efficient scorers in the league to their roster and transforming their offense into one of the most formidable in the Western Conference.

On the other hand, Durant's presence will necessitate some serious adjustments from the team's ascending young players such as Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, and negating that development after just one season would force the team to re-adjust yet again. While, as a young and versatile unit, they would likely be able to rebound rather quickly from such a loss, it would certainly be a waste of valuable time as the team attempts to capitalize on their championship window.

Therefore, although it is likely that Durant signs an extension with the Rockets at some point this season, the lurking Heat could have something to add to the conversation.