Heat’s Focus on Blockbuster Kevin Durant Trade Persists Amid Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Simon | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 5:19 PM ET

The Kevin Durant trade sweepstakes have hit a fever pitch in recent days, as the list of teams seriously interested in acquiring the 15-time All-Star continues to be narrowed down.

The Miami Heat have been a team to watch throughout the beginning of the offseason with regard to a potential blockbuster Durant deal, and the franchise remains a plausible landing spot for the legendary forward.

As a result, the Heat's team president Pat Riley will continue to pursue Durant in the coming days or weeks.

With new reports from ESPN's Shams Charania indicating that the Phoenix Suns may be inclined to get a deal done prior to the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, it may be now or never for the Heat to get a franchise-altering trade with the Suns across the finish line.

"There is traction on Kevin Durant trade scenarios," Charania told ESPN's Malika Andrews on Thursday.

With the NBA Draft taking place on June 25, Charania expressed that most Durant trade suitors are expected to act with a sense of urgency.

"There are some teams that are motivated to get a deal done sooner rather than later."

"Will there be a team that simply swings for him, gets him in the mix, and just sees, 'Can we make it to the Finals? How deep can we go?"

Charania also made it a point to mention that the teams interested in Durant, and the one that will ultimately make a move for the all-time great, must view themselves as a "Kevin Durant away" from taking home a title.

The Heat boast an exciting and promising core of their offensive-minded first-time All-Star Tyler Herro and 5-time All-Defensive Team selection Bam Adebayo.

By prospectively having Durant join the pair, it would certainly make for an intriguing 2025-26 season for the Heat.

The 36-year-old superstar continued his dominant 17-year run in the NBA with a fantastic individual campaign for the Suns in 2024-25, as he averaged 26.6 points on an elite 64.2% true shooting percentage.

In terms of valued prospects and draft capital, the Heat might not be able to offer the same caliber of package as teams such as the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs.

However, their famed "Heat Culture" philosophy and winning history could prove to be note-worthy when Durant makes his ultimate decision.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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