Heat Are 1 Player Away From Finalizing Kevin Durant Trade With Suns
Heat Are 1 Player Away From Finalizing Kevin Durant Trade With Suns
The Miami Heat are nearing a potentially franchise-altering deal to acquire superstar Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches.
Trade talks have intensified with Miami emerging as a frontrunner among several interested teams, including the Spurs, Rockets, Timberwolves, and Raptors. Durant, who has one year and $55 million remaining on his contract, became open to relocation after the Suns reportedly surprised him with trade discussions earlier this year.
Teams around the league believe the Miami Heat are close to the finish line in acquiring Kevin Durant and may need to add Kel’el Ware to the package to finalize the deal, per @BrettSiegelNBA
“Although the two sides are not right at the finish line yet in trade talks, one player… pic.twitter.com/zCs6SNpyMr
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 20, 2025
The primary hurdle in negotiations appears to be Miami’s reluctance to include promising rookie Kel’el Ware, whose 7-foot-4 wingspan and two-way potential make him highly valued by both organizations.
Pat Riley and the Heat front office view Durant as the missing piece that could elevate their championship aspirations alongside Bam Adebayo, while the Suns are determined to maximize their return as they look to rebuild around Devin Booker. If an agreement is reached before Wednesday’s draft, it would dramatically reshape the Eastern Conference landscape.
Kevin Durant Opens Up On Trade Rumors
Kevin Durant has directly addressed swirling rumors about internal problems within the Phoenix Suns organization. Following a disappointing 36-46 season where the team missed the playoffs, Durant firmly denied allegations of team fights made by former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins on the Run It Back Podcast.
“We were trash this year, ha ha ha, but we NEVER got close to this. NEVER,” Durant stated in June, rejecting claims about locker room violence affecting team chemistry. His candid response comes amid significant organizational changes, including the firing of head coach Mike Budenholzer.
Trade speculation continues to intensify around Durant, with the Miami Heat emerging as frontrunners to acquire the star forward. Reports indicate discussions between the Heat and Suns have progressed significantly, though negotiations may hinge on:
- Draft capital: Potential inclusion of first-round picks
- Young talent: Rising stars the Heat might be reluctant to part with
- Long-term flexibility: Salary cap considerations for both teams
The Houston Rockets have also entered trade discussions, creating leverage dynamics between interested parties. While multiple teams prepare trade packages potentially involving 2024 and 2025 first-round picks, the Suns appear ready to retool for the future following their first playoff absence since 2020.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
