Kevin Durant’s peak came during his time at the Golden State Warriors. He was a two-time Finals MVP for them and provided a finishing touch to the team from 2016 to 2019. His shooting skills were complemented by Stephen Curry’s handles, Klay Thompson’s offense, and Draymond Green’s defense. The whole system was geared toward making players realize the best version of themselves.
The best version of KD is arguably a frightful sight for any other NBA team. During his time with the Warriors, he was probably among the top five best players in the league. His move to the Brooklyn Nets, hence, looked very promising on paper.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But he couldn’t repeat the same magic with an eccentric Kyrie Irving as his second option. The Brooklyn Nets disappointed everyone despite the team they had on paper. A roster filled with stars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons arguably shouldn’t lose in the first round of the playoffs. But that is exactly what they did. They were no match for the Boston Celtics and their star player Jayson Tatum. The Nets got swept 4-0.
Rival GM to https://t.co/gYiqMcukIX: “Everyone pretty much knows KD probably isn’t winning any titles, not without Steph, which is why no one wants to mortgage the farm for him.”
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) July 19, 2022
Last year, when they had James Harden, they couldn’t get past the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round. Durant’s performances haven’t dipped significantly and while he is still one of the best players in the NBA, he has chosen to request a trade from the Brooklyn Nets.
But, the Brooklyn Nets demand a very high price for the forward. They want an All-Star level player along with a handful of first-round picks and swap picks. According to the latest reports by Hoopswire’s Sam Amico, rival GMs are not willing to gut their team to get Kevin Durant. They are saying that his record without Stephen Curry?shows he may not be worth the risk.
Kevin Durant’s trade is too improbable to pull off for many teams
KD?personally favors the Phoenix Suns or the Miami Heat. Both teams got seeded first in the conference last year. They, too, likely won’t have enough to entice the Nets. It will be a difficult task for any single team to do this trade. But if Amico’s report is correct, Durant might just stay with the Brooklyn Nets next season despite everything.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The market has been very bad for marquee signings. The Rudy Gobert trade has made many a GM miserable. Things are very expensive now, players included. The Nets have all the leverage in the negotiations because they want to come back with the same team next season. Notably, Ben Simmons hasn’t yet played with the duo of Durant and Kyrie.
WATCH THIS STORY: Thomas Bryant, Malik Monk, Juan Toscano-Anderson And Other Stars: All Moves For LeBron James Lakers In NBA Free Agency 2022-23
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The potential of this team is high and the owner, Joe Tsai is betting on it. Tsai hopes that doesn’t happen again and that Durant stays on the team peacefully.
Where do you think Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving will be playing next season? Let us know in the comments below.