What’s next for Kevin Durant?
NBA free agency has been put on hold because of one man; Kevin Durant. The Brooklyn Nets are trying to move the future Hall of Famer after he asked the front office to trade him.
Durant requested a trade with the team today, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/BkNEHwkrc0
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022
A player of Durant’s caliber requesting to be moved is unprecedented. Every team is lined up with their assets, hoping they can be the franchise to gain one of the best players in NBA history. However, not every trade demand needs to be met. The request has been made, but will Kevin Durant ultimately be traded before the start of next season?
The Rift Between the Nets and Kevin Durant
Photo courtesy of NBC Chicago
A trade request does not happen out of thin air. There needs to be a build up between the two parties. What happened between Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets?
Their issues practically began from the very beginning. Durant and Kyrie Irving came to Brooklyn as a package deal with the understanding of having input on decision. This led to then head coach, Kenny Atkinson, being replaced by Steve Nash. The Nets even added James Harden, while gutting most of the roster for that trade. It didn’t matter because you have Durant, Irving, and Harden. However, everything changed with Covid-19 and the vaccine.
Irving refused to get the vaccine, which led to him missing most of this past regular season. Durant had some injuries, which led to Harden being the lone superstar out there. Frustration grew on Harden’s behalf and he wanted out. The Nets ultimately moved one of Durant’s good friends within the NBA. No Kyrie and no Harden, while the newly acquired Ben Simmons was not ready to play.
Irving eventually was able to play in all games, but it was not enough as the Nets were swept in the first-round by the Boston Celtics. Now in the off-season and things have gone bad to worse. Irving and the Nets couldn’t come to an agreement on a new contract, despite Durant’s desire to play with Irving.
Now there is a rift between Kevin Durant and the Nets with no end in sight. This is the perfect opportunity for a trade, but there’s a chance it won’t happen anytime soon. Why is that?
The Price Might be Too Much
Photo courtesy of NY Post
Rudy Gobert just went for a multitude of draft picks and players. That trade alone made Durant’s value even higher than what it is. The Nets know that already and will not settle for anything less. The asking price is astronomical at the moment for Durant.
Multiple All-Stars and picks is fair for Kevin Durant, but the issue is that nobody truly can afford him. This causes a longjam in trade talks right now. The Nets will not settle. Durant has four years left on his contract, which means he does not have as much leverage as one would assume. He has a wish list of teams he would like to play for, but the Nets know that another team can easily swoop in with a tremendous offer.
Furthermore, Durant is starting to become aware that more likely than not, he will be on the Nets’ roster come opening night. In fact, he is currently going “dark” and not communicating with anyone who has reached out.
"KD has gone dark." @ChrisBHaynes and @VinceGoodwill go behind the scenes of the Nets and Kevin Durant trade talks on the latest Posted Up.
Apple: https://t.co/BBPOQr87CC
Spotify: https://t.co/rUId7Nq33s pic.twitter.com/LiiOUXHcJX— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 6, 2022
As free agency continues, trade talks are beginning to dwindle. Not only Durant, but also Irving are not likely to be moved as of today. The Nets will not move them for a price they believe is not worth their individual value. Be prepared for this drama to not end anytime soon, while Durant has to put on the Nets jersey for another season.