In a decision that may come back to haunt them, the Miami Heat reportedly walked away from a final opportunity to land Kevin Durant. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Phoenix Suns made one last trade offer to Miami for the two-time Finals MVP, but the Heat declined.
The proposed package included Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Haywood Highsmith, the No. 20 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and additional draft capital. The Suns, who were determined to move Durant this summer, ultimately pivoted to the Houston Rockets after Miami stepped back.
Durant was traded to the Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick, and five second-round selections. But before that deal came together, the Suns had been engaged in multiple rounds of talks with Miami, one of the few teams Durant was reportedly willing to commit to long-term. The Heat had their chance but ultimately decided to hold onto their young core.
From a developmental standpoint, the players Miami refused to part with are intriguing but not untouchable. Jaime Jaquez Jr., who turned heads during his rookie season, averaged 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 46.1% shooting in his second year. He brings toughness, intelligence, and a versatile skill set that fits the Heat culture.
Nikola Jovic showed flashes as a stretch-forward, putting up 10.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 37.1% from three. Haywood Highsmith quietly became a strong role player, averaging 6.5 points and shooting 38.2% from deep.
While these numbers suggest potential, none of them scream future star. A player like Durant, who still averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting 52.7% from the field and 43% from deep last season, could’ve instantly elevated Miami into title contention. Especially in an Eastern Conference that feels wide open heading into 2025-26.
The Celtics are facing injury uncertainty and tax-related constraints. The Pacers, though impressive in reaching the Finals, still are invincible. The Knicks don’t have a settled coaching situation. The Cavaliers, who swept the Heat in the first round, have internal questions around fit and consistency.
With Jimmy Butler gone and Bam Adebayo in his prime, this might have been Miami’s last best shot to build a legitimate title contender in the short term.
Reports indicate that the Heat had already placed former lottery pick Kel’el Ware off-limits, seeing him as a potential future cornerstone. That made Durant’s acquisition harder to justify without gutting their remaining youth. But in hindsight, the price offered doesn’t seem unreasonable for a player of Durant’s caliber, especially one who reportedly would’ve signed off on the move.
Now, Durant heads to Houston, a team loaded with young talent and cap flexibility. Miami, meanwhile, faces another summer of searching for answers. They finished 8th in the East this past season at 37-45 and were swept by the Cavaliers in the first round after trading Butler midseason.
The clock is ticking on the Bam Adebayo era, and the window may be narrowing faster than Pat Riley and the Heat front office realize. Passing on Durant might’ve preserved their youth, but at the cost of another shot at a championship.
