This is the big news of this beginning of the week in the NBA: there is strong discussion between the Nets and the Celtics to set up a blockbuster trade around Kevin Durant. If Adrian Wojnarowski revealed the news in the early morning, Shams Charania revealed many crisp details on the ongoing negotiations. We take stock.
It was anticipated and it is confirmed by The Athletic: Kevin Durant hasn’t changed his mind, and does indeed want to leave Brooklyn. The former Warriors and Thunder star must be patient, since the Nets have set a very high price, which puts off many franchises. The detonator might however be called Boston, which made a sensational entry into the negotiations. Yes, there is discussion between the two teams, and a package was even offered… and refused. Shams Charania takes stock:
Durant requested his transfer from Brooklyn on June 30, and following active discussions between the Nets and the interested teams in early July, the conversations died down. The Nets have set an incredibly high price to get KD back, and no team has come close to that request yet.
Celtics package requested by Nets for KD
The Celtics are now a real threat to acquire Durant. Boston offered Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and a draft pick. The offer was rejected. Brooklyn has asked the Celtics that any subsequent proposal necessarily include Brown, Marcus Smart, draft rounds and potentially an additional rotation player. Currently, the Celtics aren’t too keen on including Smart in addition to several other players and picks, but the franchise is in full consideration.
Indeed, the demand for the Nets is high, perhaps even too much for a Kevin Durant who certainly remains an exceptional player, but who is 34 years old and who has often been injured in recent years. At 25, Jaylen Brown is in full bloom, and the reluctance to part with Smart, so important to this Boston team, is very legitimate. However, the motivation is great among the C’s, as confirmed by Charania:
As of this writing, the Celtics are a serious possibility as a destination for Durant. They have a huge interest in him, and think he is the player who will take them to the final step that separates them from the title. Although there is still work to be done, a deal is indeed possible to satisfy Brooklyn’s enormous demands.
If the Boston track seems to be the hottest to date, the insider does not fail to specify that the Raptors and the Heat remain in the race. On the other hand, the Heat seem cautious regarding parting with some of their most highly rated players, such as Bam Adebayo.
It’s agitated between the Nets and the Celtics, with the desire and the possibility of finding a deal that would send a huge shock wave on the NBA planet. To be continued…