As the Miami Heat entered the 2025 offseason, they were expected to make a strong push in the pursuit of Kevin Durant. Ultimately, the Heat fell short, losing out to the Houston Rockets, who acquired the superstar forward via trade.
According to Heat insider Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Heat were unwilling to include Nikola Jovic in a trade package for Durant. That decision ultimately opened the door for Houston to acquire Miami’s top trade target.
Jackson also provided full details on what the Heat’s trade package for Durant would have looked like.
“Per source with direct knowledge, Heat was willing to offer Wiggins, Rozier, Highsmith, Jaquez and 20th pick in June’s draft for Durant & Cody Martin,” Jackson reported via X. “Per Shams, Suns wanted Jaquez, Jović, Highsmith, 20th pick and a pick swap (as well as Wiggins/Rozier inclusion). SO…Jovic and Kasparas J. need to work out for justify the decision, which was a difficult one for Heat to reach.”
Jovic has shown significant promise during his first three years with the Heat. In 107 regular-season games, he’s averaging 8.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 37% shooting from deep. Erik Spoelstra and the Heat’s coaching staff must be incredibly high on him if they were unwilling to part with him as part of a Durant trade.
Heat’s Norman Powell Eyeing Big Role
After missing out on Durant, the Heat pivoted toward acquiring Norman Powell via a three-team deal that saw Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love head to the Utah Jazz as a result.
During a recent appearance on Sirius XM NBA Radio, Powell discussed the opportunity he has with the Heat next season.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity that’s in front of me,” Powell said. “I think it’s a clear opportunity that I’ve been fighting for and talking about. I talked about all last year about having the opportunity to be a focal point every single night, not just a high-value contributing role player, but really seeing myself and stepping into a role that I’ve always wanted.”
Powell’s three-level scoring, playmaking and perimeter defense should ensure he gets the sizeable role he’s hoping for. However, with his contract set to expire next summer, questions over his long-term future may hang over him throughout the season.
Heat Could Let Powell Leave Next Summer
According to NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin, Powell’s age could lead the Heat to letting him test the free agency market.
“He was traded to Miami for the final year of his contract, making $20.5 million,” Helin wrote. “He is coming off a season where he made a leap (in year 10!) and averaged 21.8 points a game while shooting 41.8% from beyond the arc.”
Helin continued.
“At age 32, the Clippers were hesitant to give Powell the longer extension that he wanted, which helped lead to the trade, but is Miami going to feel any differently (Miami is also trying to keep its books clean to make a big swing at a superstar down the line)? While the Heat and Powell may work out an extension, his hitting free agency seems a very real possibility.”
Powell’s performances over the next season will undoubtedly factor into Miami’s overall decision. If he proves to be a key piece to the rotation, it’s unlikely the Heat would consider letting him leave on the free agency market.
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