The Phoenix Suns have been hoping to make a Kevin Durant trade for weeks, eyeing a deal in place ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. With draft night now just days away, the latest development on negotiations is another unfortunate development for Phoenix.
According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Miami Heat are “firmly against” including center Kel’el Ware in any trade package to acquire Durant. Ware has previously been reported to be among the Suns’ targets in exchange for Durant.
“Miami is said to be firmly against including standout rookie center Kel’el Ware in their offers for Durant, sources say. Without Ware in a theoretical trade, Phoenix is presumed to be seeking future first-round draft capital from Miami to help deliver Durant to South Beach at long last.”
Marc Stein and Jake Fischer on the Miami Heat’s stance on trading Kel’el Ware for Kevin Durant
Related: Finalists emerge for Kevin Durant trade
- Kevin Durant contract (Spotrac): $54.708 million cap hit in 2025-’26
Phoenix has long desired a starting-caliber center and Ware, coming off an excellent rookie season, would’ve been an ideal option. However, Miami’s front office has been pretty adamant that it doesn’t want to move the 21-year-old for a 36-year-old Durant.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets are reportedly opposed to including Jabari Smith Jr. in a deal. Additionally, per Stein, the Toronto Raptors are against including center Jakob Poeltl in a trade for Durant this summer.
Related: Potential cost of Kevin Durant trade for Houston Rockets revealed
- Kevin Durant stats (ESPN): 26.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, 52.7% FG, 43% 3PT
The Suns entered the offseason hoping the number of suitors interested in Durant would generate a strong bidding war for the All-Star forward. However, he’s heading into his age-37 and has proven in recent years that he can’t stay healthy. Between that and his desire for a new contract extension, suitors just aren’t going to overpay. While the Suns still want to make a deal, this saga could last past the 2025 NBA Draft next week.
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