Miami Heat’s Missed Opportunity: The Terry Rozier Trade That Didn’t Happen

The Miami Heat’s 2025 NBA trade deadline was marked by significant moves, notably the trade of Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors. In exchange, the Heat acquired Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, Davion Mitchell, and a 2025 top-10 protected first-round pick. This trade addressed the team’s immediate needs and future prospects.

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Most fans would agree that the Miami Heat got more out of the Jimmy Butler trade than had been initially expected. They received Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, P. J. Tucker and a 2025 first-round pick (protected, Warriors). Wiggins had been one of the Golden State Warriors’ best performers this season. But his start to life in Miami has not been the smoothest.

Of course, he has only played a couple of games in the Heat uniform but as we approach the post-season, there is a need to improve as soon as possible. The Heat are on a four-game losing streak which has left them with a 25-28 record and 9th in the Eastern Conference table. In the days leading up to the trade deadline, the Heat were linked with a potential trade move for Kevin Durant.

While it might not have materialised, the possibility of a Durant to Heat trade could be revived in the future, especially if Miami ends up having another unsuccessful season.

On FadeAway World, Eddie Bitar has suggested a potential trade that would see Durant join the Heat while the Phoenix Suns would receive Wiggins, Haywood Highsmith, Jamie Jaquez, a 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA) and a 2030 First-Round Pick (MIA).

Durant is entering the twilight years of his career. Unfortunately, the Suns do not appear to have a team that can challenge for a Championship right now. A Big Three of Durant, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro could be potential title contenders if surrounded by the right supporting unit around them.

Of course, it would be a win-now move from the Heat but considering how things are going for the team at the moment, it might be worth the risk.