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After defeating the Nets by sweeping them out in the playoffs, the Celtics have since reportedly emerged as potential suitors for Kevin Durant.
Brooklyn wants a massive haul in return for Durant, and no one can blame them. He is a two-time NBA Finals MVP who is one of the greatest players of his generation.
Although league insider Shams Charania describes the Celtics as a “real threat” to land Durant, the Nets have reportedly rejected Boston’s latest offer (via The Athletic):
“The Celtics offered Brown, guard Derrick White and a draft pick to the Nets for Durant, sources said. The proposal was rejected, and Brooklyn has asked Boston — in any proposal — to include Brown, Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, draft picks and potentially one more rotation player, those sources added.”
Brown is a fantastic young player who is still just 25 years old. He may not be happy to have his name mentioned in trade rumors, but when you are as good as he is, that will happen.
If the Nets do not think Brown is enough for Durant, this potential trade may take some. Charania added that no deal for Durant is “imminent” and based on the reporting we have seen around the league, this saga could continue for a bit longer.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Nets are prepared to “ride out the storm” until they find an agreeable deal … even if that means continuing the recent drama through the end of the offseason and into the start of the regular season.
Durant would make the Celtics the favorites to win the title, but don’t count on it happening today or tomorrow.
The Tip-Off
Even though he is at the center of recent trade rumors, Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant still found time for an incredible tweet on Monday morning.
He responded to Draymond Green’s question, wondering what would happen if the 2017 Warriors played the 1998 Bulls:
“[Durant] noted that Warriors head coach Steve Kerr would have looked at their opponents and scouted that Chicago’s defense was weakest at the guard position.
Jordan won Defensive Player of the Year in 1988, he was a nine-time All-Defensive First-Team recipient, and he led the league in steals three times. Dennis Rodman was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-Defensive First-Team honors seven times. Scottie Pippen was an eight-time All-Defensive First-Team recipient and led the league in steals twice.
Kerr played for the Bulls at the time, too, and he was on the floor for 22.4 minutes per game. He was a sharpshooter, but when he played alongside a Jordan-Rodman-Pippen trio, the guard was the weakest link on defense.”
Brilliant troll here by KD, though he is probably right. Kerr is self-aware enough to know that he would have been the worst defender on the floor.
Shootaround
— Klay Thompson was adorably hyped for brother Trayce’s RBI during Dodgers rally
— Jerry West questions J.J. Reddick’s credentials after his disrespect of old NBA stars
— HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto spoke to Dejounte Murray, who said Trae Young pushed for his trade to the Hawks
— Sixers Wire’s Ky Carlin looks at 3 free agents who could help Philly