Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel believes the Miami Heat missed a significant opportunity by not being more aggressive in their pursuit of Kevin Durant.
In his view, Miami should have been willing to part with more of its young core, including Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Haywood Highsmith, and even rookie center Kel’el Ware if needed, to acquire a player of Durant’s caliber.
Winderman argues that while holding on to future first-round picks might make some strategic sense, a player like Durant changes a team’s ceiling overnight.
With the East wide open, Winderman contends that adding Durant would’ve instantly made the Heat legitimate title contenders and justifies sacrificing some developmental assets to win now.
He goes on to state that Miami could have easily outbid Houston’s reported offer to Phoenix – a package he views as less valuable than what Miami could have assembled.
In his opinion, the Heat’s reluctance to let go of their young players and draft capital likely cost them a shot at a top-tier superstar.
Heat Notes: Durant Trade Offer, DeRozan, Kuminga, Robinson, Johnson, Smith https://t.co/phr9s81bfe pic.twitter.com/MBE5xD7D9p
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 23, 2025
