Less than a week before the 2025 NBA Draft, there remains a pretty steady standstill in the Kevin Durant trade discussions. The Miami Heat (and a flurry of other interested teams) are waiting for the Phoenix Suns to blink. Unfortunately, the Suns have refused to do so, and it could end up leading to a nightmarish scenario in which they continue to hold KD hostage heading into draft night.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, that's a possibility that could be in play for the Suns heading into the weekend. The Suns could get to the point next week that they just hold onto KD heading into draft night and hope things change on the negotiations front. In fairness, Windy doesn't believe that will happen, but, at this point, it's certainly looking like a more likely possibility with every passing day.
The Suns, Heat, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs have drawn a line in the sand that they're not willing to cross when it comes to KD trade discussions. At least for now, neither side is blinking. And unless that changes in the next few days, it's hard to imagine how a KD trade is going to come to fruition.
A nightmare scenario for the Heat could be brewing
If the NBA Draft arrives and there's still no resolution on the KD trade front, it will leave the Heat in a very difficult situation. Do they use the No. 20 selection on a player they view would be more beneficial to the team, or would they be forced to use it on a player who may hold the most trade value to the Suns?
Balancing between those two fronts could open the door to a big mistake or misplay by the front office. That's why having some sort of resolution on the KD trade front will be essential to the Heat heading into NBA Draft night. Even if they don't land KD, having some closure on those trade talks would be extremely beneficial to the Heat.
It's not even just the decision that the Heat has to make with the No. 20 overall pick. In many respects, the NBA Draft night is a breeding ground for trades. If the Heat are stuck chasing KD, it will limit what Miami may or may not be able to do on other trade fronts.
Let's be honest, the same could be said about the Suns. They need some sort of KD resolution before the NBA Draft, too. No one benefits from KD still being on the Suns roster heading into NBA Draft night. That much is clear. The question is, will that even matter or factor in trade discussions heading into a pretty big NBA weekend?