The trade request of two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant is something that has still left many people, including some within the Brooklyn Nets, perplexed. It seemed to come virtually out of nowhere and Durant has been keeping to himself, as he went dark after the request.
Players around the league tried reaching out to him to figure out what was going on, but he didn’t respond. He and his representation were in touch with the Nets a little bit, but getting answers about his thought process has been difficult.
Trade negotiations have been slow-moving, however, as the Nets’ asking price is very high. Teams haven’t been willing to get close to it, and it was originally throughout because organizations assumed Durant would eventually end up with the Phoenix Suns.
But, that is likely no longer a feasible landing spot. Deandre Ayton agreed to an offer sheet with the Indiana Pacers, which the Suns matched. It was the biggest offer sheet ever, as Ayton signed a four-year, $133 million deal and matching it effectively took them out of the Durant running.
With little movement, some people wondered whether or not things may have changed. It has been reported that Kyrie Irving wants to remain with the Nets and maybe Durant had a change of heart as well. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, that is not the case.
“Durant has shown no change in his stance, sources say, and executives from across the league at the Las Vegas Summer League this month wondered whether his status for training camp could be in question via holdout should no trade develop.”
While the Nets would love to have Durant back, as they have a roster still capable of contending with him and Irving playing, it sounds like his decision is made up and he wants to play elsewhere. Extending into training camp likely isn’t something that Brooklyn wants, so that could be a quasi-trade deadline for them.
The Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors are three teams still working hard to acquire Durant. Boston sounds like they are the closest, as Marcus Smart is the player that the teams are haggling over. If he is included, they could be setting the bar for offers to surpass.
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