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
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
35 minutes ago
- USA Today
72 days until the Texans' 2025 season opener: Who has worn No.72?
The Houston Texans are less than 100 days away from kicking off the 2025 season in Los Angeles against the Rams at SoFi Stadium and we're counting down the days until a victory ensues on the west coast. Texans Wire will each day tell you which player has worn the number of the day leading up to kickoff and pick the player who ensured the number best during their time at NRG Stadium. As for today, let's take a look at who has won No. 72 since the inaugural season in 2002. Texans players to wear No. 72 No. 72 currently belongs to offensive lineman Jaylon Thomas, who should be in line to maintain his role as one of the top names on the practice squad who could get called up midseason. Last year, he was waived due to injury but the returned to the roster on the season-ending injured reserve after goining unclaimed. Through the early stages of training camp and OTAs, Thomas should compete for a job in terms of depth at either tackle spot, but no one expects him to start Week 1 when the Texans travel out west to take on the Los Angeles Rams. And since he's only played in one game for Houston on Sundays, it's hard to consider him the G.O.A.T. in No. 72. Best Player: Derek Newton What could have been with the great right tackle? After replacing Eric Winston in 2012, Newton became a stable option in run blocking during the days of the Arian Foster era. He started three straight seasons, helping Houston reach the postseason twice before inking a long-term, five-year, $26.5 million contract ahead of the 2015. Sadly, he'd never live up to the standard of the deal because of injury. On October 24, 2016, Newton needed to be carted off during the first half of Week 7's game against the Denver Broncos with air casts attached to both legs. It was eventually revealed that both patellar tendons were torn, effectively ending his 2016 season. While he tried to come back in 2017, Newtwon was never able to recover physically, thus leading to his release in 2018. Newton's career was cut short due to a horrific injury in Houston, but he still remains one of the team's best right tackles over the last 12 seasons.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Spurs' Harrison Barnes cut off from answering question amid Kevin Durant trade rumors
The post Spurs' Harrison Barnes cut off from answering question amid Kevin Durant trade rumors appeared first on ClutchPoints. During a community event in Austin, Texas, San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes met with the media. Upon getting asked about his possible inclusion in a potential trade for Kevin Durant, a Spurs media relations employee shut down the question before the reporter could finish it. Advertisement 'No, we're not doing any trade talk. Sorry,' the team's staffer interrupted. It followed a question that comes in the midst of reports that Durant wants to be in San Antonio. 'How does it feel to be involved in trade talk…' Multiple reports have indicated the Spurs are willing to offer several players, including Barnes, and their 14th pick in this month's NBA Draft for Durant. Those same reports, along with speculation, suggest the Phoenix Suns are looking for more. Harrison Barnes faces trade question On behalf of the Harrison and Brittany Barnes Community Fund, the veteran forward helped unveil a newly renovated basketball court at a Boys & Girls Clubs location in the state's capital city. Austin is approximately an hour away from San Antonio by car. Advertisement When Spurs players do such events, usually in the Alamo City, it's common for them to take basketball-related questions as well. But in the rare cases that the player's name is involved in contexts the franchise would rather avoid, the Spurs media staff has limited related questions. The Spurs have been linked to Durant for several weeks now. Because San Antonio is reportedly his preferred landing spot, the organization isn't throwing the kitchen sink at the Suns in a trade proposal. Truth be told, they wouldn't even if KD hadn't reportedly stated he wants to play in the Alamo City. The future Hall-of-Famer will be 37 years old when next season starts. The Silver and Black don't have the intention of trading the second overall pick in the draft and, thus, the chance to add Dylan Harper, nor do they want to part with Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. Harrison Barnes and Kevin Durant history At 33 years old and, admittedly, probably not part of the Spurs young core, rumblings indicate Barnes is a piece the Spurs are willing to part with in exchange for Durant. Advertisement It wouldn't mark the first time Barnes would be replaced by KD. The former North Carolina standout left the Golden State Warriors in the summer of 2016 after the Dubs signed Durant. Golden State, which won a championship with Barnes, added two more with the one-time Oklahoma City Thunder star, and there is a chance history could repeat itself this offseason. Related: Kevin Durant trade offer Spurs must make to Suns to seal deal Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo trade grades for ESPN's Spurs-Bucks proposal
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
When is the Thunder's NBA Finals championship parade?
The post When is the Thunder's NBA Finals championship parade? appeared first on ClutchPoints. Following their 103-91 win in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers, the Oklahoma City Thunder won their first championship in the OKC era. The Thunder do not claim the Seattle Sonics' history, so this is essentially their first championship in franchise history. The question then becomes, when is the Thunder's championship parade? Advertisement After their NBA Finals win, the Thunder's championship parade is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m., as per Brandon Rahbar of The Daily Thunder. The Thunder were among the few teams considered contenders for the NBA championship this season. They were the best team in the Western Conference this past season with an overall record of 68-14. They swept the Memphis Grizzlies in four games in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. They followed that up with a grueling seven games series in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Denver Nuggets, and then easily dispatched the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder were then challenged again by the Pacers in the NBA Finals, being pushed to a deciding Game 7. The Thunder finished with the best record and the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference during the 2023-24 season as well, but they were eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in the conference semifinals. It's been 13 years since the Thunder have made it to the NBA Finals. The first time they reached the Finals was in 2012 with the star trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Advertisement Scott Brooks was the head coach when the Thunder last reached the NBA Finals. His tenure was followed by Billy Donovan who coached the team to five playoff appearances in five seasons, including one conference finals appearance. Donovan was replaced with Mark Daigneault, who has led the team to two playoff appearances in five seasons so far. But one of those seasons includes an NBA championship. Related: Isaiah Hartenstein's son fast asleep on Thunder's NBA Finals podium Related: Thunder guard Alex Caruso forced to give champagne-popping tutorial
