NBA insider explains why Miami Heat choosing Andrew Wiggins over Kevin Durant is the ‘right path’
The Miami Heat confronted two major roster scenarios this spring and summer.
Both decisions would significantly impact the franchise’s competitive direction and long-term planning.
First, the Heat could have offered Jimmy Butler his desired contract extension to retain their established star.
However, the Heat chose not to meet Butler’s contract demands, ultimately trading him to Golden State.
His absence showed dramatically last season when the Heat suffered a first-round sweep against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Second, they attempted to acquire Kevin Durant from Phoenix with an underwhelming trade package.
Miami offered Phoenix an unattractive package including Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Jaime Jaquez, Nikola Jovic, Haywood Highsmith, and the 20th overall pick.
The Suns rejected the proposal, leaving the Heat empty-handed.
NBA insider Tim Bontemps defends Heat’s approach, thinks it’s the right path
Many criticized Miami’s handling of both situations, but NBA insider Tim Bontemps believes the organization made correct long-term decisions.
“For the last few years, the Heat kept making these runs with Butler to the conference finals and kept finishing in the bottom half of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. It was a very hard thing to square on both sides to figure out just how good the Heat were,” Bontemps explained.
“I would say, especially with the Butler trade, the Heat had a choice. I would say the Heat had a chance to get Durant and give up draft picks to do so, or the Heat had a chance to get a draft pick and get Andrew Wiggins and add to their asset base, and vote to go younger and take a longer view.”
“They chose that [Wiggins] path which I think was the correct path because I don’t think they were good enough with this group.”
The Heat now have assets for future trade
Bontemps argues that even adding Durant wouldn’t have provided sufficient roster strength for championship contention.
Instead, Miami prioritized asset accumulation and youth development for future flexibility.
Until 2031, the Heat at least have five first-rounders as well as a bunch of second rounders.
They also have several young players, such as Kasparas Jakucionis, the potential center Kal’el Ware, and Nikola Jovic, who could be trade assets.
