Kevin Durant shocked the league after suddenly requesting a trade directly to the Brooklyn Nets’ owner, Joe Tsai, just moments before the NBA free agency began.
Ever since this breaking news came out, there have been a lot of rumors that eventually surrounded the trade request. Unfortunately, nothing sparked to reality. For days now, the trade involving Kevin Durant has been very quiet. No NBA team has come to a full agreement with the Brooklyn Nets yet. It was reported that KD specifically asked to be traded to two championship contender teams – Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat.
Three weeks since the infamous trade request, Durant has hidden in the shadows and has not entertained any calls or messages. Meanwhile, trade talks are quiet and according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, these trades are “slowing down to a trickle”.
There have been a lot of rumors surfacing lately but the Nets’ asking price for Durant is outrageously high that no team seems to be able to afford. In addition to that, most teams do not want to give up that much for an aging superstar. Below are some rumored NBA teams that are either interested in KD or have the capability to trade for the 33-year-old superstar.
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are one of KD’s preferred destinations, but, after they re-signed the 24-year-old center, DeAndre Ayton, this scenario could well be a dream. Although Phoenix could still come up with a trade package involving Mikal Bridges and some picks, it’s doubtful that Brooklyn would budge in.
Seeing Chris Paul and Devin Booker sharing the court with Kevin Durant would be deadly and on paper, it looks like one hell of a squad.
Miami Heat
South Beach has some important pieces to land the perennial superstar. However, Miami would need to concoct a deal that would entice Brooklyn to trade Durant. That means they would need to give away guys like Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro plus some picks in exchange for Kevin Durant. In addition, the Nets are reportedly very interested in Adebayo but should the Heat take this one? They’re also out in the market to sign another all-star in Donovan Mitchell but they seem to be not moving as of late.
It is not very sure if they really want Kevin Durant on their roster. They are reportedly interested in signing Donovan Mitchell. With that, should the Heat focus more on tanking for Mitchell? Or should they take the risk for a chance at a Durant-Butler-Adebayo trio?
Toronto Raptors
Toronto is one of the teams reported to be eyeing Durant. However, they are properly rejecting any trade offer that includes the reigning Rookie of the Year, Scottie Barnes, whom the Nets are interested in. Plus, the former all-star Pascal Siakam is also off-limits. This leaves us Fred VanVleet, Gary Trent Jr., and OG Anunoby as valuable assets which still looks far from a deal the Nets would agree to. Even if they add some future draft picks, it’s doubtful that Brooklyn would dwell in that kind of deal given that they want Barnes.
Golden State Warriors
We fully have come full circle as the Golden State Warriors are once again rumored to be KD’s next team. It wouldn’t be a surprise that Durant would want to reunite with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and the Dubs since they are once again NBA champions.
Unfortunately, the Warriors’ GM Bob Myers has told the media that “he wants to run it back with the current team”. But, if a trade pushes through between Golden State and Brooklyn, that package would see a combination of rising stars like Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman, Moses Moody, and more. If you are a Warriors fan, you wouldn’t want to waste the young years of Jordan Poole for a few years of KD.
Brooklyn Nets
To those who do not know, Kevin Durant is still under contract with the Nets until the 2025-2026 season after signing a 4-year/ $198 Million extension in 2021. As a result, if Durant does not get traded during the offseason, chances are he would still need to suit up for them in the 2022-2023 season. However, Durant has already expressed his desire not to play for Brooklyn anymore which means he could pull off a “Ben Simmons” kind of move – not playing for the whole season until he gets traded. It’s also ironic that he is now teammates with the very man who started it all, the man himself, Ben Simmons.
This is not a new tactic but it sure is heartbreaking for the Nets fans. After getting swept last playoffs, you’d think that KD and Kyrie Irving would bounce back next season. Now, it’s unlikely we’ll be seeing these two wear a Nets uniform in the future.
Related: NBA: Best Landing Spots for Kevin Durant; All Trade Packages
Kevin Durant is arguably a top 15 or so NBA player in league history.
With his basketball skills and abilities, teams would die for a generational talent like KD. Last season, he showed up again as one of the favorites for the MVP award. Although they were a huge disappointment in the playoffs, KD is still a walking bucket.
There is no denying that KD is a great player. But, his problems off the court are stirring quite the fuss. With him and another enigma in Kyrie Irving banding together in Brooklyn, this thing was already inevitable from the get-go.
Where do you see Kevin Durant next season? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.
Related: Is The Kyrie Irving To The Lakers Trade a Done Deal?
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