The Miami Heat continue to be linked with a potential trade for Kevin Durant. The former MVP is reportedly available this summer, as the Phoenix Suns begin to retool the roster around Devin Booker.
In a June 11 article for Bleacher Report, Zach Buckley proposed a potential trade package to send Durant to South Beach. The proposed deal looks like this:
Miami Heat Get: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Get: Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jović, the No. 20 pick and a 2030 first-round pick (top-three-protected)
“Since Miami is coughing up two firsts in this hypothetical trade, the disruption to the rotation would be minimal,” Buckley reasoned. “The Heat would still have a pair of three-and-D wings in Andrew Wiggins and Haywood Highsmith, a potential unicorn big in Kel’el Ware, a head-of-the-snake stopper in Davion Mitchell (assuming he re-signs) and intriguing wild cards like Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Pelle Larsson.”
Landing Durant without losing any key contributors is likely wishful thinking on Miami’s part. After all, Durant is still one of the premier scorers in the NBA. Furthermore, Miami won’t be the only team trying to tempt the Suns into doing business.
Nevertheless, the Heat will undoubtedly look to push forward in their pursuit of a new leading star.
Heat Urged to Trade For Durant
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith believes Kevin Durant would be the ideal addition to Miami’s roster.
“They need all the help they can get,” Smith said via ESPN’s First Take. “They need a No. 1 option, they can play defense, and Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo ain’t no scrubs. They just need a No. 1 option. That wasn’t Jimmy Butler. We love him, but that wasn’t him. That’s KD. He’s gonna give you 27 a night.”
Durant would undoubtedly strengthen Erik Spoelstra’s rotation. However, what Miami would need to give up in order to acquire Durant will directly impact how successful the franchise could be in the 2025-26 season. In truth, Pat Riley would likely need a year or so to retool the roster around the veteran superstar.
Heat Could Look Toward DeMar DeRozan
If Miami falls short in its pursuit of Durant, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints has pinpointed DeMar DeRozan as a potential target.
“It is highly unlikely that all three of Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, and Andrew Wiggins begin the 2025-26 season on Miami’s roster,” Brett Siegel reported via ClutchPoints. “DeMar DeRozan is once again viewed by other teams as a potential target for Riley and the Heat.”
DeRozan spent this past season with the Sacramento Kings. He joined the Western Conference franchise via sign-and-trade last summer. DeRozan played in 77 games for Sacramento, averaging 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists. He could be a strong addition to the Heat’s rotation, especially if they miss out on Durant.
Nevertheless, it’s highly likely that a new All-Star-caliber player joins the Heat this summer. Riley isn’t know for showing patience or embracing rebuilds. As such, adding a veteran talent is the most logical path forward for a Heat team that was swept out of the opening round in the playoffs.
