The Miami Heat are once again in hot pursuit of Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant, aiming to add the prolific scorer to their championship-contending roster. However, as trade rumors swirl, one thing remains crystal clear: Miami is not willing to part with franchise cornerstones Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. NBA insider Shams Charania, speaking on the Pat McAfee Show on June 17, 2025, emphasized that the Heat are exploring trade packages that preserve their two stars while leveraging other assets to tempt Phoenix. With a mix of veterans like Terry Rozier and Andrew Wiggins, young talents like Nikola Jović and Jaime Jaquez Jr., and potential draft picks, Miami is crafting a compelling offer. Can the Heat pull off a blockbuster deal for Durant without sacrificing their core? Let’s break down the possibilities and what this trade could mean for Miami’s title aspirations.
Miami’s Untouchables: Adebayo and Herro
The Heat’s refusal to include Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro in trade talks underscores their importance to the franchise’s present and future. Adebayo, a three-time All-Star and elite two-way center, is the heart of Miami’s defense, averaging 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in the 2024-25 season. Herro, meanwhile, has blossomed into a dynamic scorer and playmaker, posting 20.8 points and 5.3 assists while shooting 39.9% from three. Together, they form a young, versatile core that aligns with Miami’s gritty, culture-driven identity. As Charania noted, “Those two have not been in any conversations, so you and the rest of Heat Nation can breathe a sigh of relief.” This stance reflects Miami’s confidence in building around Adebayo and Herro while pursuing a superstar like Durant to elevate their championship odds.
However, keeping Adebayo and Herro off the table complicates the trade. Durant’s $49.9 million salary for the 2025-26 season requires significant salary matching, and Phoenix will demand a substantial return for a player of Durant’s caliber—averaging 26.6 points on 52.7% shooting at age 36. The Heat must get creative, balancing their offer with veterans, young prospects, and draft capital to satisfy the Suns without gutting their roster.
Miami’s Trade Assets: Veterans and Young Talent
To make a Durant trade work, Miami can offer a mix of proven veterans and promising youngsters. Terry Rozier, acquired in 2024, brings scoring and playmaking with his $24.9 million salary, making him a key piece for salary matching. Andrew Wiggins, a former All-Star, offers two-way versatility and a $26.3 million contract that aligns with Durant’s cap hit. Duncan Robinson, a sharpshooting forward with a $19.4 million salary, could also sweeten the deal for Phoenix, which values floor-spacing wings. These veterans provide immediate impact for the Suns, who are looking to retool around Devin Booker and Bradley Beal after a disappointing 2024-25 playoff exit.
On the youth front, Miami has a trio of intriguing prospects: Nikola Jović, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’El Ware. Jović, a 6’10” forward with playmaking upside, averaged 7.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in his third season, showing flashes of potential as a versatile big. Jaquez Jr., a 2023 first-round pick, brings hustle and scoring (11.9 points per game), earning praise for his high basketball IQ. Ware, a 7-foot rookie center, is a raw but athletic rim protector who could develop into a valuable piece. Charania posed the question: “Out of those three guys, which player are you most comfortable putting in a deal for Kevin Durant?” For Miami, parting with one or two of these prospects could be the key to sealing the deal, though losing young talent stings for a team with a history of developing homegrown stars.
The Heat could also include players like Pelle Larsson, a second-round pick with defensive tenacity, or look to the 2025 NBA Draft. Prospects like Nique Clifford, a defensive-minded wing, or Walter Clayton Jr., a scoring guard, could be dangled as future assets to entice Phoenix. With these pieces, Miami can craft a package that balances immediate contributors and long-term potential, making the trade appealing to the Suns.
The Fit: Durant in Miami’s System
Durant’s addition to the Heat would be a game-changer. His elite scoring, length, and playoff experience would complement Adebayo’s defensive anchor and Herro’s offensive spark. Imagine Durant operating in Erik Spoelstra’s motion offense, stretching defenses with his 41.3% three-point shooting while creating mismatches at 7 feet. Paired with Adebayo’s rim protection and Herro’s pick-and-roll creativity, Durant could elevate Miami into a Finals favorite, especially in a wide-open Eastern Conference. His 4.2 assists per game in 2024-25 show he’s more than a scorer, fitting seamlessly into Miami’s team-oriented culture.
The challenge lies in Phoenix’s demands. The Suns, coming off a lackluster season, may prioritize youth and draft picks to rebuild around Booker. Miami’s package of Rozier, Wiggins, and one or two prospects like Jović or Jaquez could be enticing, but Phoenix may hold out for more draft capital or a third team to facilitate the deal. The Heat’s limited draft assets—having traded future picks in previous deals—could be a sticking point, forcing them to get creative with three-team scenarios or additional players like Robinson.
Risks and Rewards
Pursuing Durant is a high-stakes gamble for Miami. At 36, his championship window is shrinking, and his injury history—though less concerning in recent years—adds risk. Trading away key role players and prospects could deplete Miami’s depth, a hallmark of their success under Spoelstra. Losing Jović or Jaquez, who are on cost-controlled rookie deals, could hurt long-term flexibility, especially with Adebayo and Herro’s max contracts already on the books. However, the reward is immense: a proven superstar who could deliver Miami’s fourth championship and cement the Heat’s status as an NBA powerhouse.
For Phoenix, the trade offers a chance to reset. Rozier and Wiggins provide immediate production, while prospects like Ware or Jović offer upside. Draft picks, even if late first-rounders, could help Phoenix rebuild or flip for other assets. The Suns’ willingness to move Durant will depend on their offseason goals—whether they aim to retool or fully pivot to a younger core.
The Miami Heat’s pursuit of Kevin Durant is a bold move that could reshape the NBA landscape, but their refusal to trade Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro sets clear boundaries. With veterans like Terry Rozier, Andrew Wiggins, and Duncan Robinson, plus young talents like Nikola Jović and Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami has the pieces to craft a compelling offer without sacrificing their core. Landing Durant would make the Heat instant title favorites, but the cost—both in assets and long-term flexibility—makes this a delicate dance. As the offseason unfolds, Heat Nation is buzzing with anticipation. Can Miami pull off the trade of the summer? Share your thoughts below—what would you give up for Durant, and is he the key to another championship in South Beach?