The Miami Heat almost added superstar Kevin Durant to their roster before the 2025-26 NBA season, according to Tyler Herro. Although Durant eventually chose to join the Houston Rockets, Herro confirmed that discussions with the Heat were serious and close to finalizing last year.
This revelation highlights the Heat’s ongoing efforts to secure top talent like Durant, emphasizing their desire to strengthen the team despite missing out on the forward. The focus keyword, Tyler Herro Kevin Durant, is central to this development in Miami’s pursuit of NBA stars.
On-Court Tensions Between Herro and Durant During Recent Game
Despite the near acquisition, tensions flared during a February 28 matchup between the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets. Tyler Herro and Kevin Durant were involved in a heated verbal exchange that required officials to intervene. This confrontation followed previous incidents of rivalry between the teams, including an altercation involving Herro and Amen Thompson last season.
Herro Clarifies His Relationship with Durant Amidst the Rivalry
After the game, Herro addressed the situation in an interview with Miami Herald journalist Anthony Chiang, explaining that the intense on-court competition did not affect his off-court relationship with Durant.
“Me and Kev been cool for a long time,”
Herro said.
“He used to send me shoes in high school. We were just competing.”
– Tyler Herro, Miami Heat guard
Herro reinforced that the rivalry seen during games is part of the competitive spirit shared among NBA players, citing examples like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, who maintained friendship off the court despite fierce competition on it.
Durant’s Almost-Move to Miami Highlights Heat’s Ambitions
Herro’s admission that Durant
“almost came here last year in the offseason”
brings attention to how close Miami was to acquiring one of the league’s most accomplished players. Durant, a two-time NBA champion and future Hall of Famer, would have been a significant addition to a Heat squad currently positioned as the eighth seed with a 32-29 record.
The missed opportunity underlines Miami president Pat Riley’s continuous search for marquee players to elevate the team’s chances of championship contention. While Durant’s arrival did not materialize, the Heat’s pursuit of elite talent remains an ongoing priority.
The Impact and Future Prospects for the Heat
Although Kevin Durant’s decision to join Houston leaves the Heat without a major star acquisition last offseason, Miami’s commitment to building a competitive roster continues. The rivalry and exchanges between Durant and Herro signify the intensity and passion on both sides, underscoring the high stakes in current NBA battles.
Fans can expect Miami to stay active in trade talks and free agency, aiming to secure players who can push the team deeper into the playoffs in coming seasons. The close connection between Herro and Durant may also influence future interactions, whether on or off the court, as both remain key figures in the league.
KEVIN DURANT & TYLER HERRO EXCHANGE WORDS. 🍿👀
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 28, 2026
Tyler Herro on his relationship with Kevin Durant:
“Me and Kev been cool for a long time. He used to send me shoes in high school. I’ve always been knowing KD for a minute. Yeah, he almost came here last year in the offseason. We were just competing. We were just talking normal… pic.twitter.com/wiwBWXQweS
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) March 3, 2026
