Moving on from the summer of Kevin Durant rumors

Properly, that was one thing. The Kevin Durant commerce demand positive gave us numerous information cycles, content material, and occasional angst, however I’m very relieved for it to be over, …at the least for now. Beneath are some scattered ideas on what occurs subsequent.

• For starters, the remainder of the league can get on with no matter backup plans and previously on-hold transactions they’d deliberate. It’s comprehensible that many groups had been taking a wait-and-see method to the KD drama. The Lakers, for instance, have made no secret that Kyrie Irving was their primary purpose with Westbrook’s expiring contract and two picks provide. Now they’ll transfer on to different potential offers (with the Pacers or Jazz?). The a lot rumored Donovan Mitchell to the Knicks discussions didn’t have to attend for Durant, however there could have been shifting items doubtlessly concerned that received’t be there now.
• I wouldn’t rely on any offers magically materializing for the Celtics, however you by no means know. Likelihood is, they’re proud of the roster that they’ve and can see how issues play out in coaching camp and into the primary few months of the season. I nonetheless have my eyes on the backup massive function, however I’m additionally hopeful that Luke Kornet can at the least fill in as a cease hole.
• As a lot as we’d all love to completely transfer on from all of this, maintain January 15 circled at the back of your thoughts. That’s when Deandre Ayton could be traded after signing his contract this summer time. Within the weeks main as much as that date, I’d count on some chatter to re-emerge on a possible Durant deal and which means the Celtics will probably be looped into the rumors once more, whether or not they prefer it or not. Even when the Celtics don’t reply one other telephone name, the Nets will nonetheless leak out Jaylen Brown as a place to begin degree provide.
• Then once more, perhaps the Brooklyn Nets will really be good and all the pieces will probably be forgiven. They’ve the roster that might win numerous video games and wash away any lingering animosity between everybody concerned. In fact that will depend on (deep breath) Ben Simmons being wholesome and taking part in and never afraid to shoot layups whereas Kyrie Irving is taking part in and never injured and never being an off courtroom distraction and Kevin Durant taking part in on the degree he’s able to with out slowing down and the remainder of the roster becoming round that trio in an efficient manner regardless of being in a aggressive Japanese Convention (gasps for air).

Picture by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE by way of Getty Pictures

• So, the elephant within the room is Jaylen Brown. No person actually is aware of precisely how he’s feeling about seeing his title cycled via commerce rumors as soon as once more (and so quickly after a Finals look no much less). Perhaps he’s completely positive with it and understands it’s a enterprise and these items occur. Perhaps he’s flattered to be thought of the perfect piece supplied for a positive Corridor of Famer. Or perhaps he’s damage and can use this as gas for his aggressive hearth. Or perhaps he’s simply damage and it will injury his relationship with the Celtics in a roundabout way over the long run. Or maybe there’s some mixture of the entire above and dozens extra ideas and emotions blended in as nicely. No person is aware of and even when he solutions the inevitable questions he’ll get in coaching camp, we could by no means know. And that’s his enterprise.
• All we will do is collectively transfer on and chalk it as much as summer time rumors filling a void of reports cycles. We’ll in all probability by no means know simply how shut Durant got here to changing into a Celtic and that’s positive with me. I like the roster that we’ve and I wish to see what this staff seems like heading into a brand new season as one of many prime contenders for the title. I wish to see what Jaylen Brown seems like getting back from a summer time of engaged on his sport (sure, together with his ball dealing with in site visitors). I wish to see Jayson Tatum begin off robust and get into the MVP dialog. I wish to see how Ime Udoka weaves collectively rotations involving newcomer Malcolm Brogdon, relative newcomer Derrick White, and longtime soul of the staff Marcus Good.
• Most of all I simply wish to see the Celtics taking part in once more. I’m completely satisfied that they’ve some extra time to relaxation and prepare, however as a fan, the season can’t begin quickly sufficient. Go Celtics!