After speaking to “a couple” NBA general managers, Marc J. Spears of ESPN (video link via Talkin NBA) outlined during an appearance on NBA Today what sort of return the Nets are seeking as they explore the trade market for Kevin Durant.
“A young or future All-Star,” Spears said, “lots of picks, the ability to swap picks, and another starter.”
Spears went on to say that Durant “might not have as much control of the situation as one would think,” not only because he has four years left on his contract but because there are so many teams involved in the bidding. According to Spears, about half the league’s clubs remain interested.
Here’s more on Durant:
- Sam Amick of The Athletic explains that Phoenix is Durant’s preferred destination in part because of his close relationship with Monty Williams, who was an assistant for the Thunder in 2015/16. The bond between the two men grew deeper after Williams’ wife was killed in a car accident in February 2016, Amick writes.
- While Phoenix may be atop Durant’s wish list, Amick has gotten the sense that the Nets would want something more – or something “different” – than a Suns package headlined by Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges. Cameron Johnson is a player who might help move the needle for the Nets, Amick adds. However, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 (Twitter link) suggests that any deal between the Suns and Nets would likely see Phoenix giving up the maximum amount of first-round picks (four) and pick swaps (three).
- The Heat are also on Durant’s wish list, but Amick says the former MVP would only want to play on a Miami team that features Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Kyle Lowry. Amick is understandably skeptical that a package centered around Tyler Herro would gain any momentum.
- The Nets have been “emboldened” by the returns in the Rudy Gobert and Dejounte Murray trades, which both included multiple unprotected first-round picks, Adrian Wojnarowski said during an appearance on ESPN’s televised NBA Free Agency Special on Friday evening. Wojnarowski added that he doesn’t believe the Nets are in any rush to make a deal, since they want to fully assess all their options.
- Wojnarowski also said during ESPN’s NBA Free Agency Special (video link) that he believes the Raptors are “lurking” as a possible suitor for Durant, given their combination of players and draft picks, as well as their track record for making this sort of deal (for Kawhi Leonard in 2018).
Conley, Clarkson, Kessler and 5 1sts
Maybe if Sean Marks was on drugs he would accept that…
It’s not confirmed that he isn’t on drugs so there is a chance.
If not same trade minus 3 picks for Kyrie. Though I doubt Ainge could stomach that.
Durant couldn’t beat the warriors(so he joined them) goes to nets now wants traded because he couldn’t win with nets. Sounds like somethings never change.
Tired: KD ruined his legacy when he left OKC
Wired: KD ruined his legacy when he left GSW
He’s now quit on 3 teams. Nothing makes the guy happy, it’s pathological.
So how would you describe a team that has “quit” on hundreds of players?
Which three? Because the last I checked he signed with the Warriors as a free agent and essentially did the same with the Nets but it happened to be a sign-and-trade. I’m not sure why leaving as a free agent constitutes quitting.
Durant has proven himself to be an a**hole on numerous occasions but I’m not sure why his decisions to leave organizations get wrapped up in that. He’s 33. The Nets likely have a rebuild in front of them and they’re strong-arming arguably the lone difference-making, superstar caliber free agent on the market. Do you really blame him? Is he supposed to want to end his career on lottery teams?
He f’d okc and he knows it. Waited til just about every good free agent had signed elsewhere while giving okc the impression he was coming back. Then at the last minute he signs with GSW (the 73 win team) leaving okc with zero options to sign anyone else since they were all gone by then.
He dam well knew exactly what he was doing and tried to hurt okc as much as possible in that soft move to GSW. Fine if he wanted to leave, but don’t lie and be a douche in the process.
Superstars weren’t going to OKC without trade regardless
Didn’t say superstars
Because Oklahoma City is a hot free agent destination and I heard that’s where Durant wanted to move the team! That was his choice too! Get out of here.
You’re right no decent free agent has ever signed or resigned with okc. Gtfoh.
Strong-arming? You’re talking about the way the Nets have handled Kyrie? I love watching Kyrie when he plays but the operative word is “when.” His personality is unpredictable. Regardless of whether he was standing for his right not to be vaccinated, he withheld his services from the team when he could have been there. Part of why the Beard forced his way out is because he couldn’t deal with the behavior anymore. When there was talk during the season that he could be traded, he threatened to retire. Right after they were eliminated from the playoffs he gives a press conference as if he’s the GM! Then when it came to his option and an extension, he created a tremendous amount of drama without pausing for a moment to think how it might be difficult for the team to give him the max when his availability has always been in question. He was determined to play the rest of his career for this team, now he’s willing to go to LA to play on an MLE because this team won’t give him the max?
As a Nets’ fan since the days of Buck Williams, Mike Gminski, and Darwin Cook, I feel just as let down by KD. He was the first (and only) one of the big three to sign an extension. I thought it was reasonable to believe he would honor it and not force his way out. I was too young at the time to remember Dr. J’s Nets’ team that won the championship. There was some excitement with the team that had DC, KA and Drazen Petrovic before his tragic death on the Autobahn. Then, following the Starbury trade, J-Kidd led the team to the finals twice. The debacle of a trade with Boston led us into a tailspin. Kyrie and KD were supposed to be the ones to finally lead us to the promised land, but they only led us to the swamp and the team is not even in the Meadowlands anymore.
You described it perfectly my brother. As a Nets fan this feels like the morning after your ex broke up with you. I can’t wait for Tasi to trade KD away but we need the right players and draft picks. I’m hoping the Raptors offer Scotty Barnes because that kid is special.
He’s quit every team he’s been on, leaving as a free agent is just a technicality.
But this latest is the worst, since the Nets did everything he wanted including dumping Atkinson for Nash, trading Allen for Deandre Jordan, and giving the Rockets most of their draft picks to get Harden.
Now after his BFF Kymie Irving blew up the team, he’s demanding a trade in the 1st year of a 4 year max, without even giving the Nets a chance to put a team around him. Btw, they sure aren’t going to be a lottery team.
@13Morgs
or, or, or… 73 win GSW team couldn’t beat healthy Cavs team so Curry, Klay, Dray and Iggy hop on a plane days after their crushing loss and recruit Durant to join them? Show me the lie.
Lol “recruit” him. Why do you act as if Durant was forced to join the Warriors. It was still HIS decision to join them. He did what was best for him.
Couldn’t beat the Cavs, the league, and the refs handing the Cavs their only title to ca$h in on the first major sport championship in NE Ohio since the 60’s happened.
Sounds like the guy who started this whole Super Teams BS-
LeBron
Heat don’t have this kind of assets.
A young or future All-Star,” Spears said, “lots of picks, the ability to swap picks, and another starter.”
Excluding franchise players, 3 teams have this kind of tradable assets
Warriors
Celtics
Suns
The Thunder are a very intreging team to watch out for. Chet, Giddey, Salary filler, and 5 first round picks gets it done in my opinion. KD + Shai + one more all star is a strong team plus KD has played there before
Raptors. I have a feeling they are gonna swoop in and steal him.
Raps Trade:
Raptors get: Durant
Brooklyn gets TOR 4 FRP + swaps, Port FRP, 2027 LAL FRP, S. Sharp (#7 pick), Bledsoe, THT, Nunn, Birch
Portland gets: OG A.
Lakers get: Gary Trent Jr.
This would be a reset trade heavy on picks.
OG is not going to Portland
Portland was all over him 2 weeks ago, do you think they changed their stance after TOR turned them down?
I don’t think Port changed their position, and I also don’t think TO has changed theirs.
OG has to be part of the deal, he’ll either end up in Brooklyn or flipped to a team like Portland for extra draft capital if that’s what Brooklyn wants.
I dont think Portland is giving up enough here. Sharpe, Bledsoe, 1 pick for OG…they would need at least another asset. I also think Toronto would need 1 more regular asset in there…OG, Trent 4 1sts, and swaps…maybe an upgrade in Trent gets that done, or just something slightly extra…
That being said, I think Toronto would try to trade Siakam instead of OG in this type of trade b/c they wouldnt want to move Barnes or OG. They would want to pair those guys with KD…so maybe Siakam, Trent, Achiuwa and the picks makes more sense
I see you completely ignored the article which states the Nets want an all-star talent in a KD trade
I want Scotty Barnes.
Gary Trent Jr, OG Anunoby, and 3 first round picks.
I’d do that in a heartbeat if I’m Toronto.
If, and it’s a big if TO goes for Durant I think it would be Siakiam, Trent Jr and all the picks. OG is to valuable as a defender.
I’d imagine BKN will want Barnes.
Gut the team but keep a strong defender! Can’t knock the logic!
Marc Spera reported Bkn wants a current or future all-star, a starter and picks.
Barnes
Trent/OG
picks
Nets would want Barnes, but if your the Raptors that’s a none starter. You can’t trade a 20 something year old rookie of the year, potential top tier offensive and defensive player for a 34 year old with an increasing injury list no matter how good that 34 year old is.
I think Masai would do it.
Not one chance he flips Barnes for KD.
Not a chance you get KD then. Barnes HAS yo be in that deal.
Toronto does a 3 way trade
Toronto Sends:
Nets: OG & Birch FRP 2023
Suns: Boucher + Flynn
Suns sends: Bridges + 2023, 2025 + 2027 to the Nets
Suns sends : Saric, Cam Payne , Ayton -4/$119 Million
Nets receive : OG + Bridges + Birch + 4 FRP
Suns: Durant + Boucher+ Flynn
Raptors: Saric + Cam Payne + Ayton
Nets : eventually trades Kyrie and moves under the luxury tax.
Raps don’t want Ayton and PHX garbage.
This is brutal…phoenix move Bridges and that by itself gets KD and Boucher? And then toronto gets nothing for OG and Boucher…that’s not even in the same universe of possible outcomes
Better be a team that has picks not their own, because obviously any team that gets him will have picks in the high 20’s. Teams couldn’t give those away this year.
It’s actually very hilarious that Golden State is probably the best matchup for a trade. They have the young star + picks…
What “young star” are you referring to? Jordan Poole is not a “star”
Sean’s Mark’s Twitter
Please start all trade offers with..
The name of your best player.
All your future draft picks.
Thank you,
BK NETS MGMT
Half the league targeting the playoffs, the other half is targeting Wemnbanyama.
Sounds about right.
The longer this goes on, the more the return goes down. Nets need to move before teams decide to go with what they got.
I think Bulls are already out based upon the ask- few picks to give, only 1 potential future all star (Williams) – the ‘starter’ would have to be Vucevich, or perhaps DeRozan.
This makes zero sense. There is zero urgency. Kevin Durant is still one of the ten best players in basketball, he’s one of the best players of all-time, and there are zero players better than him currently known to be available. Explain why the price goes down the longer this goes on. His value doesn’t depreciate as teams add bit players on the fringes of the roster. He’s not John Collins and meanwhile Rudy Gobert just went for a king’s ransom.
It’s not so much that interest dies, its that the quick enthiasm creating a crush does.
And then there’s always a backlash—
*Why can’t he wait one more year with Irving?— does he think his time is limited?
and
*Does he not know any team that trades for him will deplete themselves and be less attractive?
No way would I trade all that for an injury prone 34 year old who is sensitive and quits on teams and hasn’t won anything without Golden State
LeBron for kd
As crazy as that sounds, it actually gets the job done. Irving and Lebron would be together, again, and in the East instead of the west.
I can see that happening actually.
And KD reunites with Russ! I love this
Could OKC be in on both Durant and Kyrie? That’s probably the only team that could make that happen
Is Denver an option? Jokic, KD, and Murray would be something special
MPJ can’t be traded to the nets unless Simmons is gone. A team can’t have two players on a rookie max extension.
That is part of the problem with the young Allstars ask is it has to be someone who hasn’t gotten that extension yet. Or they get rid of Simmons.
I wish my Bulls had a match but their stars are not really young enough and their young players aren’t upsidey enough and they don’t have a boatload of picks, but I’d be hard pressed to turn down anything reasonable for a shot of having KD
Of course you’d be hard pressed to turn down anything reasonable… that’s the meaning of the word reasonable
PHX should be the team. Glad it is not the Celtics!
Hopefully it’s hard tho because the c’s could put the best package together
Brown, Smart and G. Williams with what draft picks they can
They need a team with cap space left to help any of the teams he listed so I’d expect thunder or Detroit to help facilitate any deal of Durant. As a Detroit fan I wouldn’t mind moving a few 1st to get a player like hero even if it meant adding some salary to help the deal..
Barkley was 1000% right about KD…
Dude just signed a 4yr MAX & demanding a Trade all bc KY.
He needs to be a man, kick KY to curb & get All u can w 3rd teams & be a Bus Driver.
He already band wagoner to 2 chips w GSW & now he teyn to join #1 seed in Phx past few years.
It’s Pathetic…
KD is a joke.. he could go to Phx win 2 chips & still same as GSW…
KD needs to win in BKN or I’d he would go back to Okc.
But man how about Nets fans. No Heart. No loyalty. KD is a joke.
If I’m GM I ain’t trading 25 yr or younger all Star & picks. He’s 34 lost athleticism & step on Def. Plus often injured 1yr out of Achilles tear. Other Achilles usually pips next.
Could ruin a team if u give up everything.
Stay young. Father time undefeated…
Nets get Porzingis, Westbrook, Zion, D. Graham, J Hayes, G. Temple, LAK 1FRP, NOL 3FRP AND 2 SWAPS
NOL GETS DURANT
LAK GET IRVING
WAS GETS BEN SIMMONS
The one thing you got right is your handle.
Good one! But it makes sense for all teams involved…
Someone found the “random” button on the trade machine
I wonder if Marks knows he can’t trade for a young all star on a rookie max contract with Ben Simmons on the roster.
If he wants an AS – you can swap KD, Kyrie, and Harris for Westbrick, AD, THT, 27, 29, and a few 2nds.
First of all, Joey Buckets is staying. Second, the Lakers are probably the only team that can come close to salary matching. Third, I know they don’t control a lot of their upcoming first rounders, but the Nets would need a lot more draft capital. A third and/or a fourth team will need to be pulled in.
Nets won’t increase their payroll in whatever trade they do. Westbrick won’t happen unless a 3rd team is involved.
And Lowry still there? Well, how would they match salaries then? Otherwise, this falls in line with what I’ve been saying
Lowry, Herro, Strus, 2-3 1sts, and pick swaps for Kevin Durant? Heat bring back Dragic in that scenario, keep Oladipo, and give Caleb Martin $6-7 million of the midlevel, sign Paul Millsap, and sign another wing shooter. Bam isnt going anywhere. Throw in Jovic if you have to. Dont think they’d be able to really add anything else to that
His asking places are Phoenix and the Heat, but would Phoenix give up Mikail Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, Dario Saric, 3 1st round picks for KD? What would he be even coming to at that point? He and Chris Paul would be on an island alone defensively. You could try to add pieces around that with what’s left out there, but there isnt that much without getting creative…
If anything, I think I there are a few other spots that make more sense/have arguably more than the Heat to give up. Okc is an obvious one, Spurs, even though they just over Dejonte Murray, who could have been part of this, New Orleans, Golden State, and Toronto all have really interesting offers they could make. For me, I think the Heat actually have a legit shot at this…
That being said, if I’m Brooklyn, I have him for 4 years. I’m not trading him anyway. They’re building a pretty good roster around Durant and Simmons, and obviously its possible Steve Nash just screws it up again, but I still think staying healthy, they theoretically have things they can do, and as an organization, how are we under pressure to trade someone b/c they asked, after FA already has started
The deals you could get for him are for sure a lot, and you could still put together a really strong roster, but I’m not just taking anything. It has to be a lot, like the 2 types of deals I mentioned
No urgency for Masai to get KD unlike idiot Minny GM getting fleeced with Gobert trade. Wait til mid July to let emotions settle a la Kwahi trade. Fair offer … Siakam, GTJ, Boucher, Birch & 2 unprotected FRP. That’s it.
I think the Nets should complete the Irving trade first and then see how Durant responds. If they get back player(s), he may actually change his mind.
Example: Nets moved Irving to the Heat for Herro and Lowry (making this up). Would Durant feel good about the acquisition and with Simmons coming back feel a bit better than getting traded to an unknown situation? He can’t turn the trade down, and if he doesn’t play, he doesn’t get paid.
Ultimately his issue is Irving. Doesn’t want to say it out loud, but it is. Harden at least called it out and got his wish. I think Durant is attempting to do the same without saying it. But if Irving is moved first, and for a decent haul, would KD reconsider?
I want to see him end up in OKC so bad
It would be fitting!
Ayton, Bridges, Saric, two #1 picks. Two #1 picks swap.
Nets can build around Ayton, Ben, Bridges NOW. Plus what they get for Kyrie. They’ll have a talented young team. Ayton is next Great Center …….
Not even close to enough, need to add Cam Johnson and more picks.