Kevin Durant has reportedly expressed reluctance to return to the Golden State Warriors, opting instead to keep the Miami Heat as a potential destination should he be traded. ESPN analysts Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne noted that while Durant communicated to the Phoenix Suns his lack of interest in rejoining the Warriors, he was open to the notion of a trade to Miami.

Sources indicated that the Miami Heat deliberated the possibility of restructuring their strategy before the impending trade deadline. It was suggested that Miami even considered bypassing the Warriors entirely by proposing a deal that would send Jimmy Butler to Phoenix for Durant. Windhorst and Shelburne highlighted that Durant's willingness to play for the Heat was a factor in these discussions.

A source within the Warriors organization suggested that Durant's hesitation about a return stemmed from the same issues that prompted his initial departure, further stating that such a move would have created significant distractions in the locker room. Currently, Durant is under contract with the Suns through the 2025-26 season and has been instrumental in their playoff aspirations, averaging 26.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 39 games. The Suns are presently positioned ninth in the Western Conference standings, with a record of 25-25. Meanwhile, the Heat will look for players like Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Anderson to offset any potential loss of Butler while aiming for a playoff berth alongside Stephen Curry and the Warriors.