Heat Linked to Blockbuster Trade Idea for Karl-Anthony Towns
Heading into the offseason, expectations were high that the Miami Heat would pursue a marquee player. Kevin Durant was viewed as the most realistic option.
However, Durant ultimately landed with the Houston Rockets. Miami quickly adjusted, adding Norman Powell in a three-team deal. Still, team president Pat Riley is known for constantly hunting roster upgrades — with him in charge, “rebuild” isn’t a word in the Heat’s vocabulary.
That mindset sparked Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey to suggest a massive five-team trade that would deliver Karl-Anthony Towns to Erik Spoelstra’s squad. The framework is as follows:
- Knicks receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Bucks receive: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Harrison Barnes, plus a collection of first- and second-round picks stretching into 2032
- Heat receive: Karl-Anthony Towns
- Spurs receive: Lauri Markkanen
- Jazz receive: Keldon Johnson, Bobby Portis, Jeremy Sochan, Tyler Kolek and multiple first-round picks
Bailey acknowledged the Heat would part with two unprotected first-rounders but argued the deal would be a clear win: “KAT is coming off an All-NBA season averaging 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists, while hitting 42% from three. Pairing him with Bam Adebayo would unlock another level of Miami’s offense.”
Towns would give the Heat a legitimate offensive anchor and, alongside Tyler Herro, provide Riley with a foundation to chase championships.
Heat’s Durant Pursuit Fell Short
Meanwhile, more details have surfaced about Miami’s failed Durant chase. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that Riley’s unwillingness to include Nikola Jović in a package derailed talks.
According to Jackson, Miami offered a bundle headlined by Wiggins, Rozier, Haywood Highsmith, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and a 2024 first-round pick. The Suns, however, insisted on also adding Jović and a pick swap. Miami held firm, and Durant eventually became the centerpiece of Houston’s rebuild.
Powell’s Future Already in Question
As for Norman Powell, his long-term fit in Miami is uncertain. NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin noted that Powell is on the final year of his $20.5 million contract and could hit free agency next summer at age 32.
Powell is coming off his best season, averaging 21.8 points on 41.8% three-point shooting, but both the Clippers and now the Heat may hesitate to hand him a long extension. Miami’s preference to keep its books clean for a potential superstar pursuit could make Powell a one-year rental.
Ultimately, his performance this season will likely determine whether Miami retains him or clears cap space for the next big swing.
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