Are the Nets Intentionally Tanking Kevin Durant Trade Talks Just for Him to Run It Back With Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons?

The Brooklyn Nets have had one of the craziest off-seasons in franchise history. Only a few seasons ago, they were on cloud nine. The New York-based team had the deadliest offensive trio in the NBA. With Kevin Durant spearheading a team with Kyrie Irving and James Harden, they were big-time favorites to win it all. However, the journey along the way has been a disaster so far. Likewise, the Slim Reaper’s desperation to win kicked in and he requested a trade from the organization.

However, the Nets still have the biggest leverage which is Durant’s contract. The 12-time All-Star signed an extension that will kick off next season. Hence, Brooklyn has no obligation to make a trade happen for the franchise cornerstone. And their asking price for KD has been the biggest proof so far. With somewhat unreal expectations in return, they have created a near impossible atmosphere for a possible Durant swap.

Shockingly, it seems that was their plan all along. According to Brian Windhorst, the Nets want to see Durant give their new ‘Big 3’ a chance at redemption.

Kevin Durant to stay with the Brooklyn Nets?

Since the time the Slim Reaper dropped his bombshell, multiple teams have approached the Nets. Notably, the Boston Celtics were willing to take a big gamble by offering their All-Star guard, Jaylen Brown. However, their demand for Marcus Smart put Boston out of the race for the former MVP. And it has been the same for all the other teams that have approached the Nets so far.

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With the situation coming to an inevitable outcome, Windhorst spoke about the Nets’ potential plan. According to the NBA insider, the Brooklyn Nets are looking to convince KD to run it back with the current roster. He said: “I think the Nets want to run this team back and they’re hoping Kevin Durant agrees. The way they’re conducting trade talks and the prices they are asking has teams out there thinking they don’t really want to trade Kevin Durant anyway.” 

Despite the past failures for the superstar-studded organization, there is still tons of talent to explore. Going to the youth ranks, Brooklyn has a crafty scorer in Cam Thomas. His show against the New York Knicks last season had even the four-time scoring champion speechless. However, the spotlight attraction will be the ‘Big 3’ connection of KD, Irving, and Simmons.

After backing out of the last season, Ben Simmons is ready to get back into NBA action. Likewise, he adds a dimension to Brooklyn that could provide a base for a championship. As an elite defensive guard, Simmons can guard almost any position. Unlike with the Philadelphia 76ers, the former number one pick won’t have any pressure to deliver offensively.

Having two of the most crafty scorers in the game is enough to lay off. Despite his irregular appearances, Kyrie Irving is another blockbuster star when on the court. Averaging 27 points last season, he arguably has a final shot to prove his worth to his best friend.

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At the end of the day, the Nets likely won’t go away from their plans. Kevin Durant’s future seems to be written in the city of Brooklyn for now. However, with a completely new dynamic in place, this could turn out to be the Slim Reaper’s strongest weapon.

Do you think the Brooklyn Nets can be the dark horses with their current Big 3? Let us know your views in the comments below.