Good News: A $194 million star's heat trade proposal.
Following the dramatic departure of Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat, speculation is heating up that the franchise may be eyeing Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant as a potential replacement. According to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, the Heat could pursue a significant trade to acquire Durant, creating a new trio of stars alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
Swartz’s proposed deal involves Miami receiving Durant in exchange for Kel’el Ware, Duncan Robinson, Terry Rozier, a 2025 first-round pick via the Golden State Warriors, and a top-five protected 2030 first-round pick via the Heat. Swartz notes that Durant might be open to returning to the Eastern Conference and would likely welcome the opportunity to team up with two rising All-Stars and play under the guidance of Erik Spoelstra, one of the NBA’s most respected coaches. The pair already have a winning history together, having secured a gold medal with Team USA last summer.
Durant, a two-time NBA champion, has one season remaining on his four-year, $194 million contract, with a $54.7 million salary due for the 2025 season. The Suns, meanwhile, appear ready to abandon their star-studded approach. NBA insider Chris Haynes recently revealed that Phoenix intends to shift away from building around multiple superstars, aiming instead to assemble a team focused on defense and grit—players who embody a tougher, more physical style of play.
This pivot presents a golden opportunity for the Heat, a franchise known for cultivating a strong organizational culture and making the most of star power. With the Suns looking to restructure, Miami could capitalize by acquiring Durant and reestablishing themselves as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Notably, Durant had shown mutual interest in joining Miami at the last trade deadline. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Miami was among a few teams Durant was open to joining, alongside New York, Minnesota, Houston, and San Antonio. Durant’s interest reportedly aligned with the Heat’s plans to trade Butler, and both ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne reported that Miami and Phoenix had engaged in lengthy trade discussions. Though the talks didn’t materialize at the time—leading to Butler’s move to Golden State—the groundwork for a Durant deal was already in motion.
