Dec 23, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat team president Pat Riley looks on during the game between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers at FTX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Miami Heat Reportedly Low-Balled Phoenix Suns In Kevin Durant Trade Talks

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI | By Bryan Townes | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 2:30 PM ET

After several weeks of intensifying trade talks between the Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns, the negotiations fell apart when Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets.

The Heat, along with the Rockets, entered the weekend as one of the two main favorites to land Durant. After a puzzling report claiming the Heat did not include Haywood Highsmith, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, or the No. 20 pick in this year's draft, many are left wondering what the Heat did offer for him.

The Heat refused to include Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Haywood Highsmith, the No. 20 pick or other draft assets for KD , per @ShamsCharania

What in the world… pic.twitter.com/DWxJoOFn0T
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 22, 2025

Houston traded Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft, and five second-round picks for Durant. This deal was much more enticing for the Suns as they regained several draft assets and a young star in Green looking to bounce back after his best regular season run of his career fizzled out in the postseason.

The Heat’s hesitancy and refusal to offer Ware in any deals for a 37-year-old Durant is understandable, as he flashed plenty of potential to be a significant factor in their future. However, not including any other future assets prevented a potential mix of Durant, Ware, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro. This could have been one of their best chances to contend in the Eastern Conference next year if they all remained healthy.

Now, the Heat have to pivot to other star options, or wait until the 2026 offseason and sign a player in a projected deep free agency pool.