And now for the newest within the Kevin Durant commerce request drama. He nonetheless desires to be traded. In line with Shams Charania of The Athletic he’s given Nets possession an ultimatum.
In a face-to-face assembly with Brooklyn Nets proprietor Joe Tsai over the weekend, All-NBA star Kevin Durant reiterated his commerce request and knowledgeable Tsai that he wants to decide on between Durant or the pairing of normal supervisor Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash, sources inform The Athletic.
This isn’t essentially stunning, although it does shed some gentle on the explanation for Kevin Durant’s request. It will appear unlikely that the proprietor would acquiesce to this stress and fireplace each Marks and Nash, however I assume stranger issues have occurred.
What’s extra domestically fascinating is the newest record of groups seen as frontrunners to commerce for him.
The Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat stay essentially the most important candidates to amass Durant, sources mentioned, with Boston’s package deal centering round All-Star ahead Jaylen Brown seen as a viable deal. Tsai and the Nets have made clear privately that they are going to take each final asset from a group that trades for Durant, sources mentioned.
The Suns not being named is fascinating. The Miami Warmth nonetheless have a number of hurdles to leap earlier than realistically buying Durant (and nonetheless having a roster that he desires to be a part of). Which actually leaves the Raptors and Celtics because the presumed favorites. Shams’ article even factors out particularly that Durant and Ime Udoka have “grown shut” after pairing up in Brooklyn and the Olympics just lately.
No matter what you consider was supplied previously, the Celtics might nonetheless outbid a number of groups with a place to begin of Jaylen Brown, one other wage piece, and draft compensation. The Raptors can counter by together with Rookie of the 12 months Scottie Barnes, however it stays to be seen in the event that they’ve in reality made him obtainable but.
A reminder that negotiations take time, particularly when there’s no deadline or pressing timetable. That is seemingly an try by Durant’s camp to push a deal alongside. We’ll see if there’s any motion now or not. Keep tuned on CelticsBlog for updates.
