The Phoenix Suns completed a major trade involving Kevin Durant that sent him to the Houston Rockets, but discussions continue about why the Suns favored Houston’s offer over the Miami Heat‘s. The decision was made following negotiations in August 2025, with both teams presenting different packages involving players and draft picks. The Kevin Durant Suns trade comparison reveals why Phoenix opted for Houston’s terms, which featured younger talent and higher draft picks.

Offers on the Table: Heat vs. Rockets for Kevin Durant

The Miami Heat proposed a deal that included Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Haywood Highsmith, Jaime Jaquez, and the 20th overall pick in the June draft for Durant and Cody Martin. However, the Suns raised their demands, seeking Jaquez, Nikola Jović, Highsmith, the 20th pick, a pick swap, and the inclusion of Wiggins and Rozier.

“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. Per Shams, Suns wanted Jaquez, Jović, Highsmith, 20th pick and a pick swap (as well as Wiggins/Rozier inclusion). SO…Jovic and Kasparas (Jakučionis) need to work out for justify the decision, which was a difficult one for Heat to reach.”

—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald

Multiple teams expressed interest in acquiring Durant, but he preferred the Rockets, Heat, or San Antonio Spurs. According to reports, San Antonio showed limited interest, while other teams hesitated to offer premium packages amid uncertainty about Durant’s contract extension. Eventually, the trade discussions narrowed to the Heat and Rockets, with Phoenix concluding that Houston’s offer aligned better with their strategy.

What Phoenix Gained from the Rockets Deal

Ultimately, the Suns received a package from Houston that included Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Khaman Maluach (No. 10 overall pick), Rasheer Fleming (No. 31 overall pick), Koby Brea (No. 41 overall pick), Daeqwon Plowden, and future second-round picks in 2026 and 2032. This haul offered Phoenix younger players and significantly higher draft capital compared to Miami’s offer.

Evaluating the Benefits of Houston’s Offer Over Miami’s

The Rockets’ proposal provided Phoenix better draft positioning, with the 10th overall pick surpassing Miami’s 20th pick. Jalen Green offers greater upside than Miami’s Jaime Jaquez, who was part of the Heat’s package. While Wiggins may be considered a stronger individual player than Dillon Brooks, Phoenix prioritized team culture and the presence of players proven to fit their system, such as Brooks, who demonstrated leadership with both the Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies.

Additionally, other Miami players like Haywood Highsmith were quickly traded away, and Terry Rozier faces a gambling investigation that reportedly makes him less desirable around the league. Despite Miami’s package presenting more expiring contracts that could have offered Phoenix flexibility after 2025-26, the Suns had to consider roster chemistry challenges—particularly integrating two shooting guards alongside Devin Booker.

Why Phoenix Made Their Choice and What It Means for Their Future

Some critics argue that Phoenix is risking its future by accepting Houston’s deal, as the team surrendered control over first-round draft picks through 2032 and carried more long-term contracts. In contrast, Miami’s offer, with several players nearing free agency, would have allowed greater flexibility. However, Phoenix retains the option to trade Dillon Brooks or Jalen Green if they don’t fit long-term plans.

Given Phoenix’s limited draft control and pressing needs, the Rockets’ offer presented a more substantial return in young talent and draft assets that could help build around Booker. Time will reveal the success of the deal, but from a strategic standpoint, the Suns’ preference for Houston‘s package reflects a desire to build depth and youth rather than short-term salary relief.

Brendan Mau, who has covered the Suns extensively since 2023 for Sports Illustrated, reports that this trade highlights Phoenix’s willingness to take calculated risks in shaping their future roster after parting ways with Kevin Durant. The organization’s focus now turns to developing these assets and making the most of the young players and draft capital acquired from Houston.