Kevin Durant’s commerce request has been caught in impartial ever because the celebrity ahead requested out of the Brooklyn Nets hours earlier than NBA free company opened on June 30. The Nets have understandably requested for a large haul of gamers and draft picks in return for Durant, who’s about to start out a brand new four-year contract extension this season. Virtually six weeks after his commerce request, there was little or no momentum on a deal.
We all know that Durant’s authentic most well-liked locations have been the Phoenix Suns and Miami Warmth, however neither has a sensible path to a take care of the Nets primarily based on what Brooklyn is asking for. The Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics have been talked about as possible touchdown spots in latest days together with the Warmth. We now know which manner Durant is leaning.
Durant sees Boston as a desired touchdown spot, based on Ian Begley of SNY. Begley notes that Durant would wish to play with Marcus Sensible in Boston. The Nets have reportedly requested for Sensible in any potential deal. Begley additionally writes “Durant additionally sees Philadelphia as one other welcome touchdown spot, per individuals conversant in the matter.”
A commerce with Boston can be centered round Jaylen Brown. The Celtics reportedly provided Brown, Derrick White, and a primary spherical choose for Durant, however Brooklyn has resisted to date.
Brooklyn’s most well-liked final result is believed to be bringing again Durant and Kyrie Irving for the upcoming season. With Durant reaffirming his want to be traded, the query shall be simply how a lot strain the 12-time All-Star will placed on Brooklyn main as much as the beginning of the season. Durant hasn’t dominated out holding out of coaching camp, per Kristian Winfield of the New York Day by day Information.
It’s potential Boston might attempt to construct a package deal with Brown and Robert Williams III in a possible Durant deal. Williams is 3.5 years youthful than Sensible, and simply performed a essential position on the Celtics’ league-best protection.
How badly do the Celtics need Durant? Boston went to the NBA Finals this previous season earlier than dropping to the Golden State Warriors in six video games. The Celtics shall be one of many favorites to win the championship subsequent season even when they don’t land Durant. The Milwaukee Bucks are positioned to be their hardest competitors within the East, adopted by the Philadelphia 76ers. The West feels large open, with the Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Denver Nuggets main the pack of contenders.
Nobody has been certain of what Durant needs because the Suns bowed out of the commerce sweepstakes as a sensible contender. Now we all know he likes the concept of touchdown in Boston. Count on there to be extra smoke on a Durant deal main as much as coaching camp.