The Miami Heat explored a trade for Kevin Durant but ultimately weren’t willing to meet the Phoenix Suns’ asking price, according to Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald.
A source told them that Miami refused to include promising rookie center Kel’el Ware, forward Nikola Jovic, or more than one future first-round pick in negotiations.
The Heat’s final offer reportedly included Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, two bench players, and the No. 20 overall pick in the upcoming draft. Miami was also open to taking back an undesirable contract from Phoenix to help facilitate the deal.
One possibility floated was Cody Martin, whom Marc Stein recently reported had drawn some interest from the Suns.
While Miami is currently allowed to trade two future first-round picks, it could have three available if the deal were completed after the draft. Still, the Heat weren’t open to moving their 2030 or 2031 first-rounders for Durant.
Additionally, their picks from 2026 through 2029 remain tied up due to protections and conditions from the Terry Rozier trade with Charlotte.
Jackson and Chiang note that the Suns had a path to financial relief if they accepted Duncan Robinson in a deal and waived him before July 8, as only $9.9 million of his 2025/26 salary is guaranteed.
But sources say Phoenix wasn’t interested in acquiring Robinson, casting doubt on the idea that his contract held significant value in these talks.
Ultimately, the Heat drew a line in the sand on how much they were willing to give up, prioritizing their young core and long-term flexibility over a blockbuster move for Durant.
Heat Notes: Durant Trade Offer, DeRozan, Kuminga, Robinson, Johnson, Smith https://t.co/phr9s81bfe pic.twitter.com/MBE5xD7D9p
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 23, 2025
