Kevin Durant’s time in Phoenix could be shorter than anyone anticipated. Despite being a vital part of the Suns’ plans, reports have emerged that Durant is unhappy with the mere suggestion that the team explored trade options involving him.
The chatter has reportedly added tension to a season already filled with pressure. With Durant holding a player option for the 2026-27 season and set to turn 38 years old that summer, the best-case scenario for both sides might be a blockbuster trade during the 2025 offseason. After rejecting a chance to play for the Golden State Warriors again, Durant has to look for a better chance to win a ring.
A move away from Phoenix would allow Durant to maximize his value, pursue another title, and negotiate a new extension or contract before hitting free agency. If the Suns decide to move on from their aging star, the Miami Heat stand out as the most appealing destination. After all, Durant was willing to go to Miami but a deal could not be reached before the trade deadline.
With its warm weather, favorable tax situation, and consistent competitive culture, Miami offers Durant both lifestyle perks and a legitimate shot at another championship. The Heat would also provide the perfect landing spot for KD’s twilight years, and a trade package featuring Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and multiple first-round picks might just be enough to make it happen. While other teams, like the Dallas Mavericks, could make a case for Durant, no destination makes as much sense as Miami, and let’s break down how it could play out.
Potential Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Haywood Highsmith, Jamie Jaquez, 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2030 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Make A Move To Create A Powerful Big Three In The East
If the Miami Heat pull off a trade for Kevin Durant, they’d immediately become one of the most formidable teams in the Eastern Conference. The Heat have said that they are happy with the package around Andrew Wiggins they received in the Jimmy Butler trade, but let’s be honest, they need an All-Star to replace their departed franchise star.
Pairing Durant with All-Stars Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo would form a terrifying Big Three, combining elite scoring, defensive versatility, and leadership. Durant’s offensive prowess, averaging 26.9 points per game this season on 52.4% shooting, would be the perfect complement to Herro’s offense and Adebayo’s all-around game.
With Erik Spoelstra’s coaching and the Heat’s win-now culture, Durant would thrive in Miami’s system, seamlessly stepping into a role that maximizes his skillset and allows the team to compete for championships immediately.
The Heat’s supporting cast, while depleted after a trade for Durant, could still be dangerous. Herro’s sharpshooting (23.9 points per game this season) would create spacing for Durant and Butler to operate, while Adebayo’s playmaking from the center position would give Durant easy opportunities to get open looks.
Add in the Heat’s ability to attract veteran free agents on minimum contracts, and it’s easy to see Miami emerging as a juggernaut in the East. For Durant, Miami offers more than just basketball success. The Heat’s tax-friendly location, warm weather, and appeal as a lifestyle destination make them an ideal spot for the 38-year-old star to settle into the twilight of his career.
Having already rejected a return to the Golden State Warriors, Durant would find in Miami the competitive edge and personal satisfaction he seeks. If the Heat are willing to part with assets like the newly arrived Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and multiple first-round picks, this trade could create a new powerhouse in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
Phoenix Suns Start Their Rebuild Around Devin Booker
Trading Kevin Durant to the Miami Heat would mark a pivotal moment for the Phoenix Suns. By moving Durant, the Suns would commit fully to building around Devin Booker, who is entering the prime of his career and averaging 26.0 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game this season. This could also kickstart a chance to move Bradley Beal if he ever decides to waive his no-trade clause.
With Booker as the centerpiece, Phoenix can focus on retooling its roster with younger talent and future draft capital, setting the stage for long-term success rather than relying on aging superstars.
The trade package from Miami gives Phoenix valuable pieces to accelerate their rebuild. Andrew Wiggins, a versatile two-way forward averaging 17.6 points and 4.6 rebounds, can step in as a secondary scorer and defensive anchor alongside Booker.
Jaime Jaquez Jr., a promising youngster with great instincts and a strong work ethic (9.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG), adds depth to the Suns’ rotation, while two future first-round picks provide flexibility to acquire or develop talent in the coming years.
These assets give Phoenix a strong foundation to reshape its roster and remain competitive in the Western Conference. While losing Durant would be a blow to their immediate title hopes, the Suns would regain financial flexibility and a clearer timeline for their rebuild.
With Booker locked into his contract and still in his late 20s, Phoenix has time to assemble a team capable of contending. By focusing on their long-term strategy and surrounding Booker with a younger core, the Suns can ensure sustained success rather than clinging to a win-now approach that relies on aging stars.
A Blockbuster Trade Scenario That Seems Feasible Right Now
A trade sending Kevin Durant to the Miami Heat feels realistic because it addresses key needs for both franchises with the Jimmy Butler era over and the Suns looking for a fresh start. For Miami, first of all, the addition of Durant is a no-brainer.
He would instantly elevate them to championship contenders in a competitive Eastern Conference, and his fit alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo creates a team with the offensive firepower and defensive versatility to challenge anyone.
Meanwhile, for Phoenix, moving Durant offers a necessary pivot toward a more sustainable roster built around Devin Booker and the future. Durant’s growing frustration with trade rumors and his age (he’ll be 38 by the end of the 2025-26 season) make this summer an ideal time for the Suns to move him.
Trading him while his value is still high ensures they receive quality assets in return, including Wiggins and future draft picks that could help them stay relevant in the Western Conference. The Suns also avoid the risk of losing Durant in free agency for nothing if he declines his player option for the 2026-27 season. F
or Miami, Durant’s addition would be a gamble worth taking. While they’d give up significant assets, the prospect of forming a Big Three with Durant, Herro, and Adebayo is too enticing to ignore.
Miami has shown in the past that it’s willing to take risks to build title-contending teams, and this move would follow that same pattern. As the 2025 offseason approaches in a handful of months, all signs point to this trade scenario being not just feasible but highly logical for both teams.
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