Dwyane Wade Explains Why Kevin Durant Was Never Going To Heat

The Miami Heat was on Kevin Durant’s radar when he wanted out of the Phoenix Suns earlier this offseason. However, franchise legend Dwyane Wade thought differently on the actual possibility of Durant joining Miami.

Durant named the Heat, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs as his three preferred destinations to the Suns front office. Luckily for him, they adhered to his request by sending him to one of those squads.

Unfortunately for Miami, Durant wasn’t going their way. Phoenix sent the star forward to the Rockets in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and # second-round picks. It gave him the opportunity to join a playoff contender that has the potential to make a championship run. Houston did not lose much depth with the trade, making the deal a great one for both parties.

Wade reflected on the saga during a June 27 episode of his Wy Network podcast. He recalled the time when the Heat first tried pursuing Durant in the 2026 offseason but to no avail as he took his talents to the Golden State Warriors. He even took it further by explaining why he’s glad Durant is with Houston, not Miami.

“I said this 10 years ago when the HEAT were trying to get him then… he’s not following LeBron. Why are we recruiting somebody who’s not doing that? I didn’t like it then, and I didn’t like it now. I’m glad he’s in Houston. That ain’t it,” Wade said.

“I don’t wanna be one of those old dudes who can’t come back and get celebrated… HEAT, get this sh** together.”

Dwyane Wade on why Kevin Durant was never coming to Miami

“I said this 10 years ago when the HEAT were trying to get him then… he’s not following LeBron. Why are we recruiting somebody who’s not doing that?

I didn’t like it then, and I didn’t like it now. I’m glad he’s in… pic.twitter.com/vU6m8EG2BM

— Heat Diehards (@HeatDiehards) June 27, 2025

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What’s Next For Dwyane Wade’s Heat Squad

GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 29: Terry Rozier #2 of the Miami Heat drives against Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during the third quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on January 29, 2024 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

It is unfortunate that the Heat fell short of acquiring Kevin Durant’s services once again. However, Dwyane Wade has a point in Miami needing to go another direction.

Since their historic run to the 2023 NBA Finals as an eight-seed, the Heat have suffered consecutive first-round exits. They also parted ways from Jimmy Butler III by sending him to the Golden State Warriors by the trade deadline this February.

Miami ended up suffering a series sweep to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their last two home games ended in embarrassing blowout fashion, with Game 4 being the worst as they lost by 55 points.

It gives a major sign that the Heat need to make significant improvements to their overall roster instead of adding superstars like Durant. They need to look forward to the long term, where they can develop prospects and have them lead the franchise going into next season and beyond.

Miami drafted Illinois star Kasparas Jakucionis in the first round and signed Michigan star Vladislav Goldin to a two-way contract. They are addressing positions that proved to be areas of weakness this past season, showing they are determined to return to their highest points of success.