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Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Heat rumors: What Miami is missing in Kevin Durant trade proposal
The post Heat rumors: What Miami is missing in Kevin Durant trade proposal appeared first on ClutchPoints. As Kevin Durant trade discussions intensify across the league, the Miami Heat continue to emerge as one of the most viable landing spots for the Phoenix Suns star. However, despite Miami's strong positioning and persistent interest, a key piece may still be missing from their offer. According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel, league personnel believe Miami could be close — but not quite at the finish line — unless they are willing to part with rookie center Kel'el Ware. Advertisement Ware, 21, completed his first NBA season averaging 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 55.4% from the field and 31.5% from three. The 7-foot center with a 7-foot-4 wingspan is viewed as a highly valuable developmental prospect with two-way upside. Sources indicate that Phoenix sees Ware as a central piece in any potential Heat-led trade for Durant. 'To this point in negotiations, the Heat have not firmly offered Ware in a proposed package,' Siegel reported. 'If Pat Riley and his front office don't push more chips in to get Durant, a player Riley has wanted to bring to South Beach for years, they will be out, and the Suns will further their talks with the other teams interested.' Heat's reluctance to include Kel'el Ware stalls talks as Suns seek youth, flexibility in Kevin Durant trade Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Miami has reportedly put together a framework that includes Andrew Wiggins and other assets, but the absence of Ware has slowed momentum in the discussions. While Wiggins would add veteran depth and playoff experience to Phoenix's wing rotation, the Suns are believed to be focused on acquiring young, cost-controlled talent who can grow within a restructured roster. Advertisement Durant, 36, is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract and remains one of the NBA's most productive forwards, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.7% shooting from the field and 43% from three during the 2024–25 season. Despite his continued offensive output, the Suns missed the playoffs with a 36–46 record, prompting the organization to explore major changes under new head coach Jordan Ott. The Heat, who were swept in the first round of the playoffs after earning the No. 8 seed via the Play-In Tournament, are evaluating how to build around Bam Adebayo and their current young core. Tyler Herro, who just completed his sixth season, is under contract through 2026–27 and became a first-time All-Star in 2025. Miami also has other young contributors and tradeable contracts that could be packaged for a win-now move. Financial considerations are also shaping the Suns' trade goals. Sources say Phoenix is aiming to move out of the second tax apron, which may necessitate involving multiple teams in any finalized deal to absorb outgoing salary. While Miami remains firmly in the mix, their willingness to include Ware could be the turning point in the Durant sweepstakes. If the Heat hold back, Phoenix is expected to advance discussions with other interested teams, including the Timberwolves, Rockets, and Spurs. Related: Why Kenyon Martin rejected chance to join LeBron James Heat title team Related: Miami Heat's nightmare outcome for 2025 NBA Draft
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Heat rumors: Zach Lowe praises Kevin Durant trade decision
The post Heat rumors: Zach Lowe praises Kevin Durant trade decision appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Miami Heat were among several teams engaged in trade talks for Kevin Durant before the Phoenix Suns dealt the 36-year-old forward to the Houston Rockets. Despite having the assets to potentially outbid Houston, Miami opted to hold firm in negotiations — an approach that NBA analyst Zach Lowe supported during a recent episode of The Zach Lowe Show. Advertisement Lowe praised Miami's decision not to pursue Durant at all costs, noting that the organization likely went through internal reflection before deciding against a full-throttle push. 'I think the Heat doing that is a very look-in-the-mirror moment for Pat Riley that was probably difficult,' Lowe said. 'You know Pat Riley wants to go for it, and you know that the Heat could beat the offer that eventually got Kevin Durant. And I think calmer winds prevail.' Miami's reported reluctance to include rookie big man Kel'el Ware or other key young players became a sticking point in negotiations. While Durant remains one of the league's most efficient offensive weapons, averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.7% shooting during the 2024–25 season, questions about his durability at age 36 factored into the Heat's stance. Advertisement 'It's not going to be good enough,' Lowe continued. 'They like all of us watched these playoffs… the depth, the ferocity, the toll it takes on your body and just asked themselves like, 'can we depend on 38-year-old Kevin Durant surviving those playoffs healthy… while playing high-level basketball that this team stripped of its depth is going to need him to play,' and they just said no. And I don't blame them for that decision at all.' Heat refused to include key young players and picks in Kevin Durant trade Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports The Rockets ultimately acquired Durant in a deal that included Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and five second-round selections. ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel reported that Miami's final offer featured Andrew Wiggins and the No. 20 pick, though Phoenix opted for the more aggressive package from Houston. Advertisement 'Their best offer stood with Andrew Wiggins and the 20th pick in this year's draft headlining the deal. Phoenix opted for the 10th pick package.' Additional reporting from ESPN's Shams Charania noted that the Heat declined to include Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jovic, Haywood Highsmith, and multiple picks together in any single proposal. '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 all together in a deal, sources said.' Miami, which was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs after securing the No. 8 seed via the Play-In Tournament, now shifts its focus to alternative trade targets. The franchise continues to evaluate upgrades around Bam Adebayo while maintaining flexibility with its young core. Advertisement Durant's move to Houston alters the competitive landscape in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Heat's decision to prioritize long-term sustainability over a high-risk superstar gamble has drawn measured praise as the offseason unfolds. Related: Heat makes Davion Mitchell contract move ahead of free agency Related: NBA rumors: Lakers check in with Heat on Andrew Wiggins trade
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Mavericks Fans Still Unhappy With Nico Harrison After Cooper Flagg Pick
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Dallas Mavericks may have landed the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and took one of the most highly touted prospects in recent memory, Cooper Flagg. Still, the heat remains on general manager Nico Harrison. Despite the excitement around Flagg, frustration boiled over during the team's official watch party at their home arena, where fans broke out in loud "Fire Nico" chants — a clear sign that many still haven't forgotten the controversial decision made in trading superstar guard Luka Doncic. General manager of the Dallas Mavericks Nico Harrison looks on before the game of the Play-In Tournament against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. General manager of the Dallas Mavericks Nico Harrison looks on before the game of the Play-In Tournament against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo by'Fire Nico' chants at the Dallas Mavericks Draft Watch Party. 😬 (via @noahweber00) — Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 26, 2025 This story will be updated....
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade News: Kevin Durant breaks Golden State Warriors' hearts with power move to Houston Rockets after Phoenix Suns fallout
The Golden State Warriors just faced another blow this offseason. While fans hoped for a reunion with Kevin Durant after their early playoff exit, those dreams were crushed when the Phoenix Suns made a blockbuster trade. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Durant is now heading to the Houston Rockets in a major deal that's shaking up the league. And just like that, the Golden State Warriors' summer plans took a sharp and unexpected turn. Kevin Durant gets traded on June 23 while Golden State Warriors miss their shot On Sunday, June 23, Kevin Durant was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets. The trade was first shared by ESPN's Shams Charania. Kevin Durant is now with the Houston Rockets. The Suns made the deal and picked up Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th choice in the 2025 draft, and five future second-rounds. The news came not long after the Golden State Warriors were sent home from the playoffs in the second round. Some fans had quietly hoped that this summer could bring Durant back. He played in the Golden State from 2016 to 2019. During these years, the team won two championships, and Durant got Finals MVP twice. Coach Steve Kerr had even said, that they reached out before the February 6 deadline. But the deal didn't happen. The team stayed hopeful for a summer chance. That chance is now gone. Kevin Durant leaves Phoenix Suns after a rough year The 2024–25 season wasn't kind to the Phoenix Suns. Even with big names like Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker, the team ended the season with a 36–46 record. They missed the Play-In Tournament and it was a big letdown. Soon after, the Suns fired head coach Mike Budenholzer. That made it clear that big changes were coming. And Kevin Durant was next. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now At 37 years old, Durant still played well. He averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He shot 52.7% from the field and 43.0% from three-point range. But the Phoenix Suns wanted a younger team and more future picks. Now, the Houston Rockets get a superstar. And the Golden State Warriors are still hurting from their playoff exit and are left looking for new options. Also Read:
Newsweek
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Mavericks Projected to Pair Star Free Agent With Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Dallas Mavericks have gone through a rollercoaster of a year. After trading generational superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of this year's NBA trade deadline, a lot more has happened. Nico Harrison heard his name in "Fire Nico" chants throughout the remainder of the season after the Doncic deal, but the Mavericks were given some major luck. In the NBA Draft lottery, they landed the No. 1 overall pick despite having just a 1.8 percent chance of doing so. With that pick, Dallas is expected to bring in another potential generational star in Duke Blue Devils phenom Cooper Flagg. General manager of the Dallas Mavericks Nico Harrison looks on before the game of the Play-In Tournament against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. General manager of the Dallas Mavericks Nico Harrison looks on before the game of the Play-In Tournament against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo byAssuming they do take Flagg at No. 1 overall, the Mavericks would have a "big three" of Kyrie Irving, Flagg, and Anthony Davis. Those three players would quickly put Dallas back on the map as a team to watch. Read more: Spurs' Potential Kevin Durant Trade Pursuit Receives Major Update What else could they do to further improve their chances of getting right back into contention during the 2025-26 season? It has been reported that the Mavericks would like to target a point guard. Keeping that in mind, a new projection has been made that would see Dallas add a longtime star point guard to play alongside Irving, Flagg, and Davis. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report has projected that the Mavericks will end up being the team that signs Chris Paul this offseason in NBA free agency. "Prediction: The Dallas Mavericks, who need a replacement guard until Kyrie Irving is healthy, use the TMLE on Paul," Pincus wrote. Paul would be an intriguing pickup for Dallas. Whether he would be a starter or play key minutes off the bench remains to be seen. Read more: Pacers Urged to Make Surprising Myles Turner Decision During the 2024-25 NBA season with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul showed that he can still have a positive impact on the game. He averaged 8.8 points per game to go along with 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals, while shooting 42.7 percent from the floor and knocking down 37.7 percent of his three-point attempts. At 40 years old, Paul would bring great experience to the court. His impact on the court would also be valuable to a team looking to turn around and quickly be a championship contender again after trading Doncic away. There will be plenty of teams around the NBA with interest in signing Paul. However, the Mavericks make a lot of sense as a potential suitor. For more on the Dallas Mavericks and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
