After weeks of speculation, the outcome of the Kevin Durant trade saga was finally disclosed on Sunday, just hours before the tip-off of Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Although more than six teams were vying for the veteran star—who turns 37 in September—the Phoenix Suns ultimately favored the trade proposal presented by the Houston Rockets.
In the finalized deal, the Rockets sent over Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 overall pick, along with five second-round selections, to secure the 15-time NBA All-Star.
One of the franchises left disappointed in the aftermath was the Miami Heat. Regarded as frontrunners in the lead-up to the deal, the Heat reportedly balked at including several of their promising young players in the trade talks.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Suns were eyeing a package centered on either Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jovic—something Miami wasn’t willing to entertain.
“The Heat made multiple offers for Durant but ultimately turned down the opportunity to place Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Haywood Highsmith, the No. 20 pick and other draft assets in a deal, sources said,” wrote Charania.
Charania also reaffirmed a widely shared sentiment in South Beach: Miami had no interest in trading NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection Kel’el Ware under any circumstances.
With Durant officially off the trade market and the NBA Draft quickly approaching, Miami’s next move remains uncertain. After Sunday’s turn of events, the Heat might be operating under a growing sense of urgency.
