While there is some debate over when the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets engaged in Kevin Durant trade talks, one thing is for certain. Offers were exchanged and they are a serious suitor in the trade sweepstakes for the two-time NBA Finals MVP.
The Celtics, fresh off of a trip to the NBA Finals, are reportedly open to swinging a blockbuster deal with the Nets for the former MVP. It is certainly something that comes out of nowhere as many people thought Boston was done making changes to its roster this offseason.
They have a deep, talented team that came within two wins of winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Normally teams in that position don’t do anything too drastic in the offseason, just improving on the fringes to hopefully get over the hump. But, not the Celtics, as Brad Stevens wants to make a sizable upgrade if the price is right.
The first offer, which included Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and picks, was rejected by the Nets. Sean Marks and company are looking for a little bit more to be included, with Marcus Smart being a sticking point in negotiations. Shams Charania of The Athletic shared the most recent update.
“The proposal was rejected, and Brooklyn has asked Boston — in any proposal — to include Brown, Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, draft picks and potentially one more rotation player, those sources added.”
Based on that report, this is a deal that could be very close to being completed. Brown, a rotation player and draft picks were already included in the original proposal. If Boston is willing to include Smart in the package, it sounds as if Durant could be theirs.
Pairing Durant with Jayson Tatum would give the Celtics arguably the best offensive duo in the NBA. They would be sacrificing a lot of depth and defense in this deal, but acquiring Durant could give them that little push to get over the top and add an 18th championship banner.
Boston would have to fill some gaps with free agents, but veterans looking to ring chase would love the chance to join a roster with Durant and Tatum leading the way and complementary players such as Al Horford, Robert Williams III, Danilo Gallinari and Malcolm Brogdon filling in behind them.
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