Lakers to try and trade for both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving?

Kyle Goon: Brian Windhorst, taking a deep, deep breath, says on ESPN that league executives have “floated” that the Lakers could try to trade for Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving as a package deal if the two are still interested in playing together. …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
If the Nets are indeed looking for an All-Star caliber player and draft picks, Boston has to be considered in play. Jaylen Brown and perhaps an unprecedented collection of picks/swaps. Ime Udoka, who coached KD in Brooklyn, could make the Celtics more appealing. – 5:53 PM
Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
Source: It’s unclear whether Kevin Durant is interested in joining the 76ers, but Joel Embiid has made it clear to management that he wants them to exhaust every option in trying to acquire Durant. – 5:53 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
What would a Kevin Durant to the Suns trade offer look like? Quick breakdown theathletic.com/3393534/2022/0…5:52 PM
Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Also have some info up on potential holdups, assets available to move, frameworks, etc. in a Suns-Durant trade:
sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/ke…5:49 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
In 6 hours players on a rookie contract can agree to an extension.
Does the Kevin Durant news put a pause to that? – 5:46 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
This should be every team in the league right now. Throw in some lifetime passes to Disney. Kevin Durant — still in his prime — is the player every team needs to try to get. (Via paolo5 IG) pic.twitter.com/7FsCfk9G9h5:45 PM

Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Bigger speculation now that the Nets are no longer ESPN-interesting … does @Nick Friedell come back to Chicago for a reporter to be named later? KD trade demand has league-wide collateral damage! – 5:44 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Brian Windhorst, taking a deep, deep breath, says on ESPN that league executives have “floated” that the Lakers could try to trade for KD and Kyrie as a package deal if the two are still interested in playing together. – 5:42 PM
Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
Durant says he doesn’t want to play with Kyrie, Simmons or even Uncle Drew…or play for Steve Nash…or work for Sean Marks and Joseph Tsai… – 5:41 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
NBA FREE AGENCY IS ALMOST UNDERWAY! We’re reacting to every rumor/agreement (plus the Kevin Durant situation) here: twitter.com/i/spaces/1ZkJz…5:37 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
OKC fans Nets fans
🤝
KD ruining 4th of July weekend – 5:35 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
NBA Free Agency show begins on @Stadium with the latest on Kevin Durant requesting a trade from the Nets: twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…5:30 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Rooting for the scenario where Miami makes the cap math work on a Durant trade with a three-year, $139 million sign-and-trade deal for Udonis Haslem. – 5:29 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
If the Heat do not get Kevin Durant, it won’t be a case of “losing out” on Kevin Durant. Pat Riley has the Heat in seemingly every prime personnel discussion. That’s all any NBA team can ask for. – 5:28 PM
Adi Joseph @AdiJoseph
I don’t know a single person who became a Nets fan because they got Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but I see the straw men are getting burned on the timeline today. – 5:23 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
NBA rumors: Kyrie Irving wants to re-join LeBron James with the Lakers ‘as soon as he possibly can’ nj.com/sports/2022/06…5:20 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
The only way Denver can trade for KD is if a 3rd team takes Ben Simmons, who the Nets reportedly are keeping, and if Denver sends both MPJ AND Murray because Denver can only trade their 2029 1st.
That’s…not likely. – 5:17 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
NBA players react to stunning Kevin Durant trade request nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/30/nba…5:14 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Will be curious how much the league will be in a holding pattern until a Kevin Durant trade is agreed upon. Ancillary deals will get done, but many teams will be on hold. For ex. Suns and Ayton. – 5:12 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Jalen Brunson to the Knicks and between the KD bomb and the Yankees playing in Houston, the Knicks might barely get mentioned on the back pages. – 5:12 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
I think my first overarching thought on the KD thing is “Oh wow Houston has access to basically all of Brooklyn’s future draft picks moving forward via swap or trade in an unprotected manner, too.” Wonder how that clouds what kind of trade package Sean Marks looks for. – 5:12 PM
J. Kyle Mann @jkylemann
we are two hours in to this spotify live lol
also talking burritos
@Kevin O’Connor @Seerat Sohi @BigWos
Come join ‘KD Demands Trade + Latest NBA News Reactions’ on Spotify Live! spotifylive.link/qmfcRdp6hrb5:12 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I think we’re going to hear Kyrie Irving linked to Dallas now because Jalen Brunson is leaving whether or not the Mavericks are really interested.
They might be, but even if they aren’t, it behooves the Nets to pretend there are serious suitors just for leverage with the Lakers. – 5:11 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
New for @The Athletic – Emergency Durant roundtable with @Sam Amick @Joe Vardon @Alex__Schiffer. What are Nets’ options, the complications of an Ayton sign-and-trade, would Miami really offer Jimmy Butler, what stars should other teams dangle, and more
theathletic.com/3393459/2022/0…5:10 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
We’re still going strong, reacting to the Kevin Durant trade request, the latest NBA free agency rumors and more: twitter.com/i/spaces/1ZkJz…5:09 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
If DeJounte Murray and Jrue Holiday can command three 1st round picks in their trades. How many 1st rounders (Not to mention actual useable players), will it take for some team to land Kevin Durant. This trade is going to likely to involve four teams. – 5:07 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
The Spurs got 3 first-round picks in the Dejounte Murray. Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, 3 firsts and 3 swaps for Kevin Durant. Ayton is better than the Suns would like you to think since they chose not to pay him. Bridges is a DPOY candidate. Johnson is a 3/D wing. – 5:07 PM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
Everything you need to know about the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, at @TheAthletic
Intel and insight on possible destinations, the Brooklyn fallout, the Kyrie Irving component and more, with @John Hollinger, @Joe Vardon and @Alex__Schiffer
theathletic.com/3393459/2022/0…5:06 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Nobody asked me, but I’d love to see KD for Zion and picks. – 5:03 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
I’m sorry KD did what now? – 5:00 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Tweet something KD – 4:59 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
pod on KD dropping soon – 4:58 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
We’re going live in 2 minutes on @PHNX_Suns to talk Kevin Durant and how it could happen! Join us:
https://t.co/JhV4dkWx4w pic.twitter.com/hHZdtq5yKx4:58 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
I wanna see KD and Kyrie get traded together just to see how in the hell a team matches $79.5M in salary in a trade. – 4:56 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith says Heat “has assets that Brooklyn doesn’t particularly want” and that Durant “wants to be in” Phoenix, despite owning a home in Miami. – 4:56 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The “starting talks with Devin Booker” thing is a nonstarter. The Nets literally can’t trade for him with Ben Simmons still on the roster, and KD wanting to come to Phoenix most likely starts and ends with wanting to play with Book and Chris Paul – 4:55 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Zach Lowe wants Sean Marks calling Masai Ujiri about KD immediately pic.twitter.com/VY553Mgb9H4:54 PM

Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Worth noting that Kevin Durant selected Joel Embiid with his first pick of the 2022 All-Star draft. – 4:54 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBA
There is absolutely no reason for the Nets to accommodate KD and Kyrie by trading them to the same team and also no reason a team would want both of them. – 4:54 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
What your best pitch to Kevin Durant to get him to play for the Pelicans? – 4:52 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“The Nets need to do what is best for them”
@TermineRadio reacts to the massive breaking news of Kevin Durant requesting a trade from the Brooklyn Nets #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/VD207ogThZ4:52 PM

JD Shaw @JShawNBA
LaMelo Ball appears to be lobbying for the Hornets to acquire Kevin Durant, as others are likely doing with their respective teams: pic.twitter.com/OWrrtFcP1N4:52 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
If you are hesitating on a Kevin Durant trade you probably hesitated on the Chris Paul trade and you cannot be saved. – 4:52 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
Veteran NBA scout sizes up key Heat players heading into this wonderful free agency and Durant chaos: miamiherald.com/sports/spt-col…4:51 PM
Jason Calmes @BourbonStShots
Re: KD to Pels, and what you’d give up.
There doesn’t have to be a “right answer.” Some people want to aim for a title and have more volatility in year to year results.
I’d prefer to aim to be consistently very good and hope we can get a lucky run or two towards title.
-MP – 4:48 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Nets front office/ownership lost Kevin Durant’s trust, as previously reported.
Kyrie’s negotiations certainly didn’t help, and KD had enough. – 4:47 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
What would a trade package for Kevin Durant look like?
We start with 🇨🇦
NBA Today youtu.be/9Sb97CQgXH4 via @YouTube4:46 PM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
“This gives the Lakers their best chance at Kyrie.”
On Kevin Durant’s desired landing spots in Phoenix and Miami, what Brooklyn will need to part with the Hall of Famer, and a how this could help Los Angeles’ quest to land Kyrie Irving, all at @BR_NBA: bleacherreport.com/articles/10040…4:44 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Brian Windhorst, on ESPN, says Durant is “focused” on landing in Phoenix, and that one reason KD requested the trade today (before start of FA) was so that DeAndre Ayton could be included in a potential trade package.
Windy notes KD’s relationship with CP3 and and Devin Booker. – 4:42 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
The Nets CAN get Bam Adebayo (if they trade Ben Simmons). When you get to moves as big as Kevin Durant, everything has to be on the table. – 4:41 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
“We’re that good”
Harden said on Jan 12 after the Nets, with KD/Kyrie, dominated the Bulls.
Just over 5 months later — Brooklyn’s title hopes are gone. This team packed more drama into 5 months than most teams do in 5 years. And the drama ultimately overwhelmed the organization – 4:37 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Windhorst says on NBA Today that Durant is focused on the Suns, with the Miami Heat also an interest. – 4:37 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
An interesting narrative is that the Nets can send KD anywhere because he has four years left on his contract. But if he can force his way out with four years left, then how exactly would there be comfort from an acquiring team not on his wish list? #PlayersLeague4:35 PM
Eric Patten @EricPatten
Now imagine if OKC brings KD back – 4:35 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
My mom is currently texting me about Kevin Durant #reporting4:34 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant – a PG County (Md.) product – has talked in the past about how the #Nets were the closest he’s been to home. His business (35 Ventures/Boardroom) is in NYC, he owns the Philadelphia Union in #MLS. #Sixers star Joel Embiid is a huge fan. Hmmm. #NBA #76ers – 4:34 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Kevin Durant wants out of Brooklyn. Why that’s great for the Rockets — for now. houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 4:33 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
I also don’t understand why Durant signed a contract extension long before he had to and didn’t get a player option. – 4:32 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
From the inbox: Online sportsbook Bovada has some odds on Kevin Durant’s next team (https://t.co/ANeD61DWLG) pic.twitter.com/acmihKi9x44:31 PM

Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
Great point just made on ESPN by @Tim Bontemps. This Durant news will create some sort of a free agent logjam as teams wait for that show to drop. Another great point by Tim is that the Royce O’Neal trade is an indication the Nets are looking for some high level players for KD – 4:28 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Mavericks expected to “aggressively” pursue Kyrie Irving
sportando.basketball/en/mavericks-e…4:27 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
By now you know that Kevin Durant has requested a trade. What could the Heat offer the Nets for Durant? miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… More than half of the league has already called Brooklyn about Kevin Durant, per @Adrian Wojnarowski4:27 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant requests trade from #Nets in #NBA bombshell nypost.com/2022/06/30/kev… via @nypostsports4:26 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
Is it possible the Nets front office made the O’Neale trade without knowing Kevin Durant was asking for a trade? – 4:23 PM
Dave Mason @DeuceMason
TOO MUCH GOING ON.
KD WANTS OUT?! Monk to the Kings?!
We’re going LIVE!
https://t.co/LLeLC2Zubn pic.twitter.com/Q85OSHBKdn4:22 PM

Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
I genuinely do not see a realistic Raptors-Nets trade that lands Kevin Durant in Toronto – 4:21 PM
Jay King @ByJayKing
I would love the basketball fit of Durant on the Pelicans. – 4:21 PM
Greg Dickerson @gregdickerson13
I won’t feel badly for Any team that eventually trades for kyrie, they will get exactly what they deserve…they should know better – 4:20 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
The moratorium can be annoying, but it does help with giving teams time to arrange deals in the proper order.
Order of operations matters a TON in the offseason. Doing a huge KD deal and having to lock in all the details immediately on the fly would be REALLY hard. – 4:19 PM
Krishna Narsu @knarsu3
If KD gets traded to Phoenix, has he played with every HOF PG in the league now? Oh missing Dame I guess. – 4:12 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Housekeeping item: If DA is involved in a KD trade (which he almost certainly would be), the team signing-and-trading for him is hardcapped and can’t exceed $157M in salary at any point.
So most of these Suns trades would have to go down BEFORE the Royce O’Neale deal is official – 4:11 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
On @TSN1050Radio talking Kevin Durant right now. – 4:11 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
every fan who is insisting their team couldn’t be better with Kevin Durant … i mean, come on – 4:10 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I don’t think, short of a surprising Golden State deal, any Kevin Durant trade creates an overwhelming title favorite.
Durant’s new team will definitely be high on the list, but no team with Durant becomes what the 2017 Warriors were or anything. – 4:09 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
One of many things affecting Heat’s Durant chances – and this organization lives for moments like this (Zo, Shaq, LeBron) – is whether Ayton would be agreeable to go to Brooklyn. If not, Heat could put together better offer, even without Bam. – 4:08 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Real talk, I do think the KD news could affect the #Pacers. They have the cap space to eat bad contracts and could therefore facilitate a trade while moving players they no longer want and collecting assets (young players/picks).
Season would be bad but beneficial long term. – 4:08 PM
Rod Beard @detnewsRodBeard
The big problem with any potential #Pistons pursuit of Kevin Durant is that they don’t have any big contracts to throw into the pot.
Kelly Olynyk ($12.8M) is the biggest contract, then Cade Cunningham at $10.6M. – 4:07 PM
Carl Steward @stewardsfolly
Durant asks for trade. Here’s your big chance, Sacramento! – 4:07 PM
Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoop
People were thinking Kevin Durant would be staying put in Brooklyn once Kyrie opted in to the final year of his contract with the Nets…
But KD decided to get a little “Rowdy” pic.twitter.com/UpGkHPie6n4:06 PM

Rod Boone @rodboone
It’s not like he’d come here because the team isn’t close to winning, but if you were the #Hornets what specific package would you offer the #Nets for Kevin Durant? – 4:05 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
Add Gallinari to the handful of Heat PF options if Tucker leaves as expected; he’s expected to be bought out by Spurs. The latest from our Heat/NBA free agency live blog, with Durant news and more: miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia…4:03 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Could the Clippers be in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes? He’s considered them before …
ocregister.com/2022/06/30/cou…4:03 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Alright, you know I had to do it.
Kevin Durant has requested a trade. What can the Sixers offer, and what’s the likelihood of it being the winning offer? phillyvoice.com/nba-trade-rumo…4:01 PM
Alex Raskin @RaskinDailyMail
Sacramento should offer a second-round pick and salary filler for Kyrie Irving just to see how mad the #Nets are at him – 4:00 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Bulls cannot compete with package many teams can offer for KD. Just announce the LaVine max deal and try and take advantage of the KD fallout. – 3:59 PM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
Have a story coming at @BR_NBA shortly, and we’re going live on @getcallin in just a few minutes.
Join us as the Kevin Durant trade sweepstakes commence: callin.com/link/EaFCnvABtD3:59 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
I’m on vacation.
Might as well keep having fun.
Saw Kevin Durant requesting trade as free agency set to launch at 6 p.m. ET.
Durant and Devin Booker won Olympic gold in Tokyo.
Could they win an #NBA title together, too?
What wound happen if they teamed up in Phoenix? #Suns pic.twitter.com/ViuXHMenAa3:59 PM

Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
With Kevin Durant’s trade request, Brooklyn #Nets immediately dropped from 7-1 to 25-1 to win 2023 #NBA championship. (Should be 100-1). #Clippers still co-favorites with #Warriors and #Suns for title. Durant remains 10-1 to win MVP. Kyrie Irving 100-1 and higher. – 3:58 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Denver’s Nikola Jokic, Phoenix’s Devin Booker, Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns and Memphis’ Ja Morant are all expected to verbally seal mammoth contract extensions soon after 6 PM ET tonight … for those tracking notable sidebars to the Kevin Durant Requests A Trade blockbuster. – 3:57 PM
Thaddeus Young @yungsmoove21
Quick power nap wake up and KD got them going crazy …WOW – 3:54 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Not reporting!!!
Masai Ujiri has never feared taking a homerun swing. I wouldn’t sleep on the Raptors for KD. – 3:53 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
The fallout from Kyrie Irving remaining unvaccinated has been remarkable, honestly. – 3:53 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
It’s gonna be tough for Lakers to get KD w unprotected firsts in 27&29, Russ and a production deal with Mav Carter, I think – 3:51 PM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
Got thoughts on the Kevin Durant trade request? The Nets? Kyrie Irving?
COME SHARE THEM WITH @HardwoodKnocks ⬇️
https://t.co/kDfeozzr1m pic.twitter.com/crX0mJcXZu3:50 PM

Dan Favale @danfavale
somewhat lost amid all the kd chaos: the jazz just traded their best non-gobert defender without getting an actual player back.
solid news dumping by utah tbh. – 3:50 PM
Mike Mazzeo @MazzNYC
Title Futures: Nets now +1600 at FanDuel, +2500 at DraftKings and +3000 on Caesars. Obviously this is all subject to change depending on what the return is for Kevin Durant, and then whatever else they do … – 3:49 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
On @Sirius XM NBA now with @Rick Kamla quickly talking Kevin Durant’s trade request. – 3:49 PM
Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
Next on NBA Today’s free agency special on ESPN2: @Bobby Marks joins us to outline where Kevin Durant could land and the packages that add up. – 3:49 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Could we see Kevin Durant in the Valley of the Sun?
@adaniels33 reacts to the news that the #Suns are one of KD’s preferred destinations. #NetsWorld #RallyTheValley pic.twitter.com/yY8jWq2R3Y3:49 PM

Kyle Ratke @Kyle_Ratke
Did nobody want to tell Sean Marks about Durant before HE TRADED A FIRST-ROUND PICK FOR ROYCE O’NEALE?! – 3:49 PM
Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
The latest on Kevin Durant requesting a trade from the Nets from @Adrian Wojnarowski.
Join us now on ESPN2 for our NBA Today Free Agency special as we break it all down. pic.twitter.com/dsRBjecW8S3:49 PM

Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
Durant holds Bam in high regard, one of several reasons Miami would presumably be appealing to him. But without Butler included, a Heat package around Herro and 4 first-rounders (including Jovic) and cap facilitating contracts likely wouldn’t be enough to get Durant. – 3:47 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Woj, on ESPN, says “it’s likely that not only Kevin Durant, but also Kyrie Irving, has played his last game with Brooklyn.” – 3:47 PM
Chris Herrington @ChrisHerrington
From a Grizz perspective, everyone wants to do Durant deals without Bane or Jackson, and that’s technically doable. Realistically, to trump other offers + Durant’s preferences, Jackson probably has to be there. And even then it’s probably not most likely. – 3:47 PM
Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoops
Celtics fans: Would you put Jaylen Brown in a deal for KD?
For me, depends what else Brad Stevens would have to give up. – 3:46 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Lol all those tweet drafts nba insiders had ready for 6pm just got deleted.
Nothing significant happens until a KD destination is picked. – 3:46 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
As a basketball fan, I’m rooting for Kevin Durant to end up in Portland.
Damian Lillard deserves this. – 3:46 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Perk opening his comments by saying “how proud I am of Kevin Durant” is quite a vibe – 3:44 PM
Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband
“The Nets are moving Kevin Durant. They need a scoring forward. Sean Marks and I go way back. Let me talk to him.” pic.twitter.com/Qc2sNCfO1l3:44 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
More than half of the league has already called Brooklyn about Kevin Durant, @Adrian Wojnarowski just said on ESPN. Lol. – 3:43 PM
Alan Hahn @alanhahn
Props to @Brian Windhorst for being all over the Nets stuff, from the Harden-Simmons deal to the franchise ready to accept losing KD for their hard stance with Kyrie. Windy knows, man! @ESPNNBA3:42 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Woj says that “more than half the league has called Brooklyn about acquiring Kevin Durant”. – 3:42 PM
Nick Wright @getnickwright
The Lakers getting Kyrie is now (as @Brian Windhorst has repeatedly said) a *very* real possibility.
Brooklyn doesn’t want him w/o Durant & there is going to be very little market for him unless it’s somewhere he wants to go. I’d imagine he ends up in DAL or LA. – 3:42 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
With Simmons needed to be sent out (to Heat or elsewhere) in any Bam/Nets deal, one HYPOTHETICAL permutation that would work within cap rules is Durant/Simmons for Bam, Herro, Lowry, Robinson and three first-rounders (including Jokic). – 3:41 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Kevin Durant once called Mark Cuban an idiot (after Cuban said Durant’s then-teammate Russell Westbrook wasn’t a superstar), but Durant always has been complimentary of @Dirk Nowitzki and Dallas fans. And who wouldn’t want to play with Doncic? (Other than Brunson, apparently). – 3:41 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Congrats to Kyrie Irving, who has now killed his third organization … and counting … – 3:41 PM
Sopan Deb @SopanDeb
Someone what help me out. Why did the Nets trade a first rounder for Royce O’Neal knowing they’re about to trade Kevin Durant and essentially begin a rebuild? – 3:41 PM
Kyle Ratke @Kyle_Ratke
I’m ready for the “Let me tell why why the Nets will BE BETTER without Kevin Durant – coming up after the commercial break” takes. – 3:40 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Kyrie Irving is priority No. 1 for the Lakers right now, but…
I’ve settled on Mo Bamba as my favorite MLE target. I want to protect AD’s health by playing him at PF, but I also just think AD is gonna defend top wings better in the playoffs than any MLE player they could target – 3:38 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
On Kevon Looney, Isaiah Hartenstein, Mo Bamba and other bigs the Suns should target with the MLE (which might be more relevant if KD happens and Deandre Ayton is sign-and-traded away): bit.ly/3Paxucb3:38 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Kevin Durant and Bo Cruz front-court in Miami? – 3:38 PM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
One surefire way to take yourself out of the Kevin Durant stakes is to trade all your draft capital for Dejounte Murray and Jock Landale half an hour later. – 3:37 PM
Payal Doshi @PayalDoshiTV
Can’t the Raptors just be a dark horse in the KD sweepstakes? #NBAFreeAgency3:37 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Lol the Kevin Durant news crashed the Fanspo trade machine pic.twitter.com/YSp7g6pzt03:35 PM

Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband
Kyrie: “I’m staying with the Nets.”
KD: pic.twitter.com/aP69QhbWVR3:35 PM

Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
So, let’s say the Nets trade Kyrie then trade Durant but not to Portland.
Then the Nets decide to deal Ben Simmons.
Should the Blazers get in on that? I say, absolutely. But DO NOT give up Anfernee Simons.
He is cheaper, a shooter, more mature and uses up one less m. – 3:34 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Chris and I talked Durant trades and hypotheticals on the pod. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the…3:34 PM
Jay King @ByJayKing
After watching Celtics-Nets in the first round, I am not surprised Kevin Durant looked at everything around him and thought “nahhhhhhhhhh.” – 3:34 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Kevin Durant 6 days ago on his podcast: “There’s a lot of uncertainty with our team. I understand why so much noise around us but as individuals just control what you can and move forward. When the time’s right everything will work out for itself.” – 3:33 PM
Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband
But what team possibly has enough assets and cap space to trade for Kevin Durant?!? pic.twitter.com/OmPydgUOd83:33 PM

Alan Hahn @alanhahn
If you’re the Nets, and KD wants to go to Phoenix, don’t you start the conversation with Devin Booker? I’m sending you one of the three best players in the game. Don’t offer me your supporting cast players! FOH – 3:31 PM
Nick Wright @getnickwright
LeBron & AD, PG13 & Kawhi, and KD & Kyrie teamed up in the same Summer.
The Lakers have been largely pilloried by the media in this era. They also won a Championship.
Meanwhile, KD/Kyrie & Kawhi/PG13 played a combined ZERO (0) Finals, or even Conference Finals, games together. – 3:31 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
So is now the time to have the Kyrie Irving talk again or not yet – 3:30 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
KD wants out… yes it’s worse than 12-70 #Nets twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…3:30 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Free agent movement has just been hi-jacked by KD. There is not one untouchable piece in the Bulls organization – player, coach, front office, PR – that shouldn’t be included in a deal if you’re AK. Not one. Three years of KD is better than 5 years of any Bull. – 3:30 PM
Justin Garcia @tmjgarcia
The absolutely hilarious part is the Warriors are actually the team positioned to make the best offer for Durant – 3:30 PM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
Most fun KD trade outcomes for all of us just from a HOLY SHIT standpoint…
1. Zion/Pels
2. AD/Lakers
3. Knicks
4. OKC
5. Boston
Finishing last… Sacramento – 3:28 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Heat convos went from Otto Porter to Kevin Durant so quick LOL – 3:27 PM
David Locke @DLocke09
What’s your package for Durant? – 3:27 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
My take on Kevin Durant’s list of teams:
That’s nice, but the Nets have to make the best trade for the Nets. They have no reason to move KD to a team offering a lesser package to make him happy. This is your one, best chance to fully reset everything. Nets have to get it right. – 3:27 PM
Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Haven’t done any salary math, but Vuc, Patrick Williams, Portland’s 1st, a #Bulls 1st and any other player on the roster Brooklyn wants, Durant is about to turn 34 – 3:26 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Durant playoff win% with Steph:
— 78.6%
Kyrie playoff win% with LeBron:
— 75.0%
Durant playoff win% with Kyrie:
— 46.2% pic.twitter.com/jzuyz7632n3:26 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
No contact with the Nets from Durant and Irving since Kyrie opted into his deal
sportando.basketball/en/no-contact-…3:26 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
I do enjoy that in 11 months we’ve gone from “They took WHO over Jalen Suggs?” to “Scottie Barnes is untouchable, even for Kevin Durant.”
None of that is even wrong necessarily, it’s just a hell of a development. – 3:25 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
We’ve got:
@Chris Haynes reporting Kevin Durant has the Suns as his preferred destination
@Quinton Mayo reporting Deandre Ayton to the Suns rumors
– Myself among others reporting Kyrie Irving’s interest in going to the Lakers
What an organizational fumble. – 3:25 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Kevin Durant made the trade request directly to Nets owner Joe Tsai today, sources tell ESPN. – 3:25 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Would hope the Nets faithful are willing to move off of Kyrie hill now. – 3:25 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Talking to folks around the NBA the belief is that everything is going to pause with the opening of free agency until Kevin Durant’s next home is decided. Every team and player will sit mostly still until Durant is traded. Then the flood will happen. – 3:25 PM
Shandel Richardson @ShandelRich
Kevin Durant shakes things up before the free agency period begins #miamiheat si.com/nba/heat/miami…3:24 PM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
Maybe just keep KD and use the stretch provision on Kyrie. – 3:24 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving trade rumors shuffle equation for Heat, NBA ahead of free agency. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h…3:24 PM
Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Kevin Durant ranks 4th all-time in points per game and 1st among active players. He has averaged 25 points in every season of his career except his rookie year.
Most Career PPG
Michael Jordan: 30.1
Wilt Chamberlain: 30.1
Elgin Baylor: 27.4
Kevin Durant: 27.2
LeBron James: 27.1 – 3:24 PM
Frank Isola @TheFrankIsola
Now we know why Kevin Durant had been so quiet the last few days and why he danced around the Kyrie situation on his “new media” podcast. – 3:24 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Gotta think Kyrie trades are back on the table as well. – 3:23 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Now on @SpotifyLive talking Kevin Durant and what’s next: spotifylive.link/NDKktXOXhrb3:22 PM
Alex Raskin @RaskinDailyMail
Never forget: #Nets signed an over-the-hill DeAndre Jordan to a four-year, $40 million deal before benching and trading Jarrett Allen to convince Durant and Irving to sign in Brooklyn. This team scuttled its own rebuilding plan for a Durant/Irving combo and got NOTHING. – 3:22 PM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
Sneak peak at the 2022/23 Phoenix Suns led by Chris Paul and Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/WHnNBWeg6I3:22 PM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
The Nets got Kevin Durant and proceeded to make mistakes every step of the way. – 3:22 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
Kevin Durant requests trade from Brooklyn Nets nj.com/sports/2022/06…3:22 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Miami has to unprotect their 2025 1st round pick they owe OKC if they want to send Brooklyn picks for KD.
Sam Presti may ask for additional compensation on top of unprotecting the pick because adding KD makes the pick worse. – 3:22 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Kevin Durant has requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets😱
basketnews.com/news-174405-ke…3:21 PM
Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
At the age of 33, Kevin Durant produced so much that his $42 million salary was a moneymaker for the Nets.
He’s owed close to $200 million in the years to come, though, ending when he’s 37.
What’s this analysis based on? More here, free:
https://t.co/piSbIkkKck pic.twitter.com/wXzxBx0IQn3:21 PM

Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
NEW: Durant asks for trade; Heat is on his list and Miami is obviously interested in Durant. But Phoenix – also on Durant’s list – has more good young assets to offer because of an arcane cap rule restricting Adebayo’s trade availability to Brooklyn: miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia…3:20 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Kevin Durant is asking for a trade so what exactly does that mean for the Celtics offseason? A first look at new trade options, Brooklyn’s potential demands and much more masslive.com/celtics/2022/0…3:20 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
My answer to any question on a trade package for Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/4f0Q7KrjJn3:19 PM

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
What would a Kevin Durant trade look like? What kind of package would it take to land him?
@NekiasNBA recently broke it down and looked at potential destinations for KD: basketballnews.com/stories/nba-tr…3:19 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Mindblowing! Kevin Durant is setting to leave Brooklyn and he gonna change the upcoming season overall. This off-season belongs to KD from today. Phoenix, Miami or elsewhere maybe. #NBAFreeAgency
sdna.gr/mpasket/980653…3:18 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Kevin Durant requests trade from Nets, prefers Suns or Heat nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/30/rep…3:17 PM
Alvaro Martin @AlvaroNBAMartin
¿Por qué sonríe este señor? Si estás en sus zapatos de lujo, ¿qué entregarías a cambio de Kevin Durant? (creatividad pero con decencia, por favor) pic.twitter.com/yT0vBOtOL53:16 PM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Kyrie: “See you in the fall!!”
KD:
pic.twitter.com/X6MKmW4eEi3:15 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Best the Heat can do right now is Lowry, Herro, mix of young guys (Vincent, Strus, Yurt) and three first-round picks (plus swaps). It’s possible they could reroute Lowry to a third team to have younger players go back to BKN, but not sure how many teams are helping Riley land KD – 3:13 PM
Adam Lauridsen @GSWFastBreak
Suns working to land KD like… pic.twitter.com/PXifNUSsby3:13 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Funniest places the Nets can trade Kevin Durant to, ranked:
1. OKC – 3:13 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Remember how 2014 free agency ground to a halt while the whole league waited for LeBron?
Yea, I have to imagine 2022 free agency does the same thing for Durant. Maybe Brunson still goes to the Knicks quickly, but a lot of the other big fish are gonna have to wait for KD. – 3:13 PM
Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski
The Wolves have to look at the possibilities here. If you can pair KD with KAT and Ant, you do it. Realistic? Unlikely.
But it may be time revisit the Ben Simmons discussions as well. – 3:12 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Bane, Zaire, Brooks, Adams’ expiring and future firsts for KD … who says no?
I just want him to go to a fun team we wouldn’t expect. – 3:12 PM
Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
KD reading all y’all tweets right now too lol – 3:12 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Predictions:
– Kevin Durant to the Suns.
– Kyrie Irving to the Lakers.
– Ben Simmons to the Wolves.
– The most insane Western Conference we’ve ever seen. – 3:11 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
With 4 years left on KD’s deal, and his likely destinations being very unlikely to have the best trade package, this will be our biggest test ever of player empowerment. How much can he control his destination given the duration of the contract? – 3:11 PM
Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
So, um, who does Kyrie get sent to after? – 3:11 PM
Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Could DeRozan, Durant and LaVine win a title? #Bulls3:10 PM
Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
KD/Book/CP3 is a bomb squad – 3:10 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
the most diabolical outcome to this whole thing is the nets asking kd for his list of preferred trade destinations *specifically* so they can send him somewhere that’s not on it pic.twitter.com/fiPvjXncO23:09 PM

Andrew Sharp @andrewsharp
Kyrie: “See you in the fall. A11even.”
KD: “Wellllll…” – 3:09 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Ultimately, I don’t think I’m moving Barnes + necessary salaries (OG + GTG?) and picks for Durant. But this is one of the best top 12 players of all time who is currently one of the five best players on the planet. You talk about it. – 3:08 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
This could really be insane
The Heat miss out on everybody
But now sit a big time package away from a top 3 player in the world: Kevin Durant
Bam Adebayo can’t be offered in this deal due to contracts with Ben Simmons
So it’s time for madness – 3:08 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
If Brooklyn really wants picks for Durant, Houston is like, a generational winner today.
If the Nets go in the tank to try to come away with a remotely decent pick through their swap rights with the Rockets next year, Houston’s odds are Victor Wembanyama go up significantly. – 3:07 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbach
UCLA has inquired about Kevin Durant for its move to the Big Ten more at 11 – 3:07 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
I still wanna see Durant go back to OKC. It would just be amazing to me. He could literally rewrite his legacy on the fly, going almost the same route that LeBron did to bring a title to the team that drafted him (well, the zombie Sonics) after rings elsewhere. Not happening tho – 3:06 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Durant didn’t get a player option on the final year of that four-year extension, which always struck me. Not sure why it amounted like that, but normally someone of his stature gets every bit of player-friendliness on a deal. Locked in for 4 years now as Nets look for a trade. – 3:06 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
I don’t know the inner workings of the Durant and Nets relationship, but I do know if he’s asking out now after kyrie opted in, I think I’d be searching for the best offer, not satisfying Durant’s wish list. – 3:05 PM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
COULD HAVE BEEN: Kyrie, KD, Harden.
ACTUALLY IS: Kyrie, Ben Simmons, Royce O’Neale, and Iunno, Duncan Robinson? – 3:05 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Durant in the playoffs for the Nets:
— 32.3 PPG
— 8.4 RPG
— 4.9 APG
— 49/39/88%
7 wins. 9 losses. pic.twitter.com/4aR7Cry5p93:05 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving had no contact with the franchise after Irving opted into his deal on Monday, and a sense of inevitability existed that Durant would eventually ask for a trade, sources tell ESPN. It happened today. – 3:04 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Just to get this out of the way:
Yes, of course you would trade Tyrese Maxey for Kevin Durant. Tyrese Maxey would trade Tyrese Maxey for Kevin Durant.
Also: you don’t get Kevin Durant unless he says “I want to go to Philadelphia.” – 3:04 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
The Ayton BYC issues don’t go away because KD asked for a trade. – 3:04 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
Kyrie: “We’re gonna have a special season. I just know it.”
KD:
pic.twitter.com/NIi4LpqU5n3:04 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
i would trade anthony davis for kevin durant in two seconds if i was the lakers. the nba needs this. – 3:03 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Phoenix and Miami are among two of the teams that Kevin Durant has on his wish list, sources tell ESPN, but the Nets plan to move Durant where they can get the best possible deal. With four years on his contract, there’s no shortage of teams willing to unload assets for Durant. – 3:03 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
The outline for a trade for a star has been roughly a promising young potential All-Star plus several 1st round picks and also some pick swaps. Obviously there hasn’t been anyone on the trade market as good as Kevin Durant. How many teams can check off all those marks right now? – 3:02 PM
Ben Rohrbach @brohrbach
Kevin Durant wants to leave a contender to join the team that won far more regular-season games than any other before losing a Game 7 to an inferior playoff opponent. Sounds familiar. – 3:02 PM
Rod Beard @detnewsRodBeard
Here are Kevin Durant’s remaining contract numbers … and you know what — it doesn’t even matter.
Every team will tear up the roster to get KD. I love free agency. pic.twitter.com/H5mfuIMtRg3:00 PM

Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Kyrie: “Normal people keep the world going, but those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow. I’ve made my decision to opt in. See you in the fall.”
Durant: pic.twitter.com/Ej2UKgcJlz3:00 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
Did some potential KD trades last week w/ @Bobby Marks on the Lowe Post podcast — including PHX deals that are somewhat complicated by the hard cap in the event Brooklyn acquires Ayton in a sign-and-trade.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bob…3:00 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Players to average 50/40/85% or better over the last 2 seasons:
— Kevin Durant
He was one free throw off from going 50/40/90%. pic.twitter.com/w1JtiZt5B73:00 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Heat (and a ton of teams) had been preparing for a run at Durant. Kyrie opted in. Things paused. It’s back on. – 2:59 PM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
New Orleans. Landing spot for Durant. Calling it now. – 2:59 PM
Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
– USC and UCLA are looking to leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten.
– Kevin Durant has officially requested a trade to leave Brooklyn.
My Fourth of July weekend plans: pic.twitter.com/f0v3DokLyy2:59 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
KD gonna join a 73 win team and a 64 win team lol – 2:59 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
Make your prediction now. Where’s KD going? – 2:58 PM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
On Monday, as the league prepared for Kevin Durant to potentially request a trade during the Kyrie opt-in saga, Phoenix and Miami were often mentioned as the All-Star’s perceived favorite landing spots. – 2:58 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Here are the list of players to pick from if you are the Nets in a Durant package.
Remember that the Thunder received 5 first rd. picks, 2 years of pick swaps and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Paul George back in 2019.
espn.com/nba/insider/in…2:58 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
KD to Portland for Simons, Sharpe and a first every other year until 2035 … who says no? – 2:57 PM
Kyle Ratke @Kyle_Ratke
KD landing spots? Boston, LAC, Miami — feels like it should be easier to find a match. – 2:57 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Kevin Durant has the Phoenix Suns listed as a preferred trade destination, league sources tell @YahooSports. – 2:57 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Kyrie: I’m renewing my commitment to the Brooklyn Nets.
Simmons: I might be ready to maybe take a jump shot.
KD: I’m out. – 2:57 PM
Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
FWIW, the Royce trade has been in the works for at least a couple of days, so I don’t know that it’s related to the Kevin Durant news. – 2:57 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Wherever KD goes, he gotta go back to 35 🔥. – 2:57 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
KD when Kyrie said he’s coming back pic.twitter.com/Df9hZb0HUw2:57 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
As the Nets prepare to move one of the most valuable trade assets ever on the market, the entire roster will available to discuss in deals, sources tell ESPN. Teams have been calling on Durant, and the Nets will certainly look for a historic return on players and draft picks. – 2:56 PM
Howard Chen @TheHoChen
Just your normal (COMPLETELY SARCASTIC) day: UCLA/USC about to leave the Pac12 and KD requests a trade. Gotcha. – 2:56 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Kevin Durant has four years and $197.6M left on his deal.
And everyone will be lining up the best possible they can to trade for him. – 2:56 PM
Alexis Morgan @alexismorgan
every nba player and their mother going to be calling kd from the parking lot rn – 2:55 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Kevin Durant has requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, league sources confirm. – 2:55 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Kevin Durant put up crazy numbers for Nets:
28.7 PPG
7.3 RPG
6.1 APG
53/41/90%
In 90 games. pic.twitter.com/uTqGQI3VFT2:55 PM

Ben Anderson @BensHoops
Also, that Brooklyn first round might not be too bad if KD is gone. – 2:55 PM
Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving didn’t last together? Wow! Who would have thought! – 2:54 PM
Matthew Tynan @Matthew_Tynan
Man if you thought yesterday was crazy… let me tell you about that one time Kevin Durant decided to switch teams. – 2:54 PM
Chris Fedor @ChrisFedor
The eventual KD trade package is going to be insane! – 2:54 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
two days ago: Dare to be different. Here to finish what I started with 7.
KD: pic.twitter.com/a6Lvpdvmic2:53 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kevin Durant played 15 more regular season games with the Brooklyn Nets than Paul Pierce pic.twitter.com/MFYn0ltIph2:52 PM

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Kyrie opts in and KD still wants out. Incredible. With four years left on his deal and Durant, at 34, still playing at an MVP level, Brooklyn could — and should — get back one of the largest trade packages in NBA history. – 2:52 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
If you’re wondering what a Suns-Nets trade for Kevin Durant might look like, I threw out a few options here (bit.ly/3GsnHe1) and at the beginning of this one here (bit.ly/39Z0AMo) – 2:51 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Earthquake hits NBA 3:10 before free agency. Good luck topping the Durant news, free agents. – 2:51 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Kevin Durant has informed the Brooklyn Nets that he wants to be traded, league sources confirmed to @YahooSports. – 2:51 PM
Matthew Tynan @Matthew_Tynan
So, how bout this KD thing, yeah? – 2:51 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
I guess Kyrie opting in didn’t mean anything after all for the Nets. – 2:50 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
There’s always that one name that comes out of nowhere
That name is Kevin Durant – 2:50 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks is working with Kevin Durant and his business manager Rich Kleiman on finding a trade for the franchise star, Kleiman tells ESPN. – 2:49 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Kevin Durant has requested a trade out of Brooklyn, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. – 2:49 PM
Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving is out there at odds as high as 150-1 for MVP. If he is throwing lobs to Ayton …
sidelines.io/nba/can-kyrie-…9:29 AM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
Game Theory Podcast: @dieter is here! Some Pre-Free Agency stuff
-Dejounte Murray to ATL!
-What does a potential Jalen Brunson to NYK fit look like?
-Kyrie and Harden options!
-My love for the movie Interceptor!
APPLE: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/gam…
WATCH: youtube.com/watch?v=QSGIIO…9:08 AM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
GAME THEORY PODCAST LIVE! @dieter IS BACK!
We run through all the NBA madness across the league.
-Dejounte Murray deal
-Jalen Brunson
-Kyrie back to Brooklyn
-James Harden taking less?
-Wiz/Nuggets deal
-John Wall!
WATCH LIVE IN 10 MINUTES: https://t.co/Af08xrSaAl pic.twitter.com/ARIle68UnJ12:11 AM

Lang Greene @LangGreene
Crazy. The two teams KD and Kyrie CHOSE to LEAVE, willingly, just got finished battling in the NBA Finals. – 11:27 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
For the sickos who like to watch, Wednesday’s @LockedOnLakers pod, YouTube version. We talk with @Jovan Buha about Russ opting in, the possibility of still trading him, the Lakers-Kyrie talks, Malik Monk’s future and more. @LockedOnNBAPods @LockedOnNetwork
youtu.be/17BqAWo8vlw?t=…6:26 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Nets sold Patty Mills as a culture-driver last season. Tough to see him go. He posted a career-high 11.4 PPG last season but was worn down by the minutes played in the absence of Kyrie Irving and James Harden. Great get by @Brian Lewis6:01 PM

More on this storyline

 

With the Brooklyn Nets about to blow up their roster in the wake of Kevin Durant’s trade demand Thursday, Kyrie Irving appears on his way out the door, too. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reported on air Thursday that Irving wants to re-join LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers “as soon as he possibly can.” “He’s been telling people he wants to be in L.A., he’s been telling people he wants to wear the same uniform that Kobe Bryant once wore,” Smith said. -via Newark Star-Ledger / June 30, 2022

 

Nets want All-Star player and significant draft compensation for Kevin Durant

Kristian Winfield: Shams says Kyrie is fully supportive of Kevin Durant’s decision, and that the Nets want an all star caliber player and significant draft compensation in a Durant deal. Source: Twitter @Krisplashed What’s the buzz on Twitter? Chris …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
If the Nets are indeed looking for an All-Star caliber player and draft picks, Boston has to be considered in play. Jaylen Brown and perhaps an unprecedented collection of picks/swaps. Ime Udoka, who coached KD in Brooklyn, could make the Celtics more appealing. – 5:53 PM
Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
Source: It’s unclear whether Kevin Durant is interested in joining the 76ers, but Joel Embiid has made it clear to management that he wants them to exhaust every option in trying to acquire Durant. – 5:53 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
What would a Kevin Durant to the Suns trade offer look like? Quick breakdown theathletic.com/3393534/2022/0…5:52 PM
Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Also have some info up on potential holdups, assets available to move, frameworks, etc. in a Suns-Durant trade:
sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/ke…5:49 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
In 6 hours players on a rookie contract can agree to an extension.
Does the Kevin Durant news put a pause to that? – 5:46 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
This should be every team in the league right now. Throw in some lifetime passes to Disney. Kevin Durant — still in his prime — is the player every team needs to try to get. (Via paolo5 IG) pic.twitter.com/7FsCfk9G9h5:45 PM

Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Bigger speculation now that the Nets are no longer ESPN-interesting … does @Nick Friedell come back to Chicago for a reporter to be named later? KD trade demand has league-wide collateral damage! – 5:44 PM
Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
Durant says he doesn’t want to play with Kyrie, Simmons or even Uncle Drew…or play for Steve Nash…or work for Sean Marks and Joseph Tsai… – 5:41 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
NBA FREE AGENCY IS ALMOST UNDERWAY! We’re reacting to every rumor/agreement (plus the Kevin Durant situation) here: twitter.com/i/spaces/1ZkJz…5:37 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
OKC fans Nets fans
🤝
KD ruining 4th of July weekend – 5:35 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Shams says Kyrie is fully supportive of Kevin Durant’s decision, and that the Nets want an all star caliber player and significant draft compensation in a Durant deal. – 5:33 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
NBA Free Agency show begins on @Stadium with the latest on Kevin Durant requesting a trade from the Nets: twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…5:30 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Rooting for the scenario where Miami makes the cap math work on a Durant trade with a three-year, $139 million sign-and-trade deal for Udonis Haslem. – 5:29 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
If the Heat do not get Kevin Durant, it won’t be a case of “losing out” on Kevin Durant. Pat Riley has the Heat in seemingly every prime personnel discussion. That’s all any NBA team can ask for. – 5:28 PM
Adi Joseph @AdiJoseph
I don’t know a single person who became a Nets fan because they got Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but I see the straw men are getting burned on the timeline today. – 5:23 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
The only way Denver can trade for KD is if a 3rd team takes Ben Simmons, who the Nets reportedly are keeping, and if Denver sends both MPJ AND Murray because Denver can only trade their 2029 1st.
That’s…not likely. – 5:17 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
NBA players react to stunning Kevin Durant trade request nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/30/nba…5:14 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Will be curious how much the league will be in a holding pattern until a Kevin Durant trade is agreed upon. Ancillary deals will get done, but many teams will be on hold. For ex. Suns and Ayton. – 5:12 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Jalen Brunson to the Knicks and between the KD bomb and the Yankees playing in Houston, the Knicks might barely get mentioned on the back pages. – 5:12 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
I think my first overarching thought on the KD thing is “Oh wow Houston has access to basically all of Brooklyn’s future draft picks moving forward via swap or trade in an unprotected manner, too.” Wonder how that clouds what kind of trade package Sean Marks looks for. – 5:12 PM
J. Kyle Mann @jkylemann
we are two hours in to this spotify live lol
also talking burritos
@Kevin O’Connor @Seerat Sohi @BigWos
Come join ‘KD Demands Trade + Latest NBA News Reactions’ on Spotify Live! spotifylive.link/qmfcRdp6hrb5:12 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
New for @The Athletic – Emergency Durant roundtable with @Sam Amick @Joe Vardon @Alex__Schiffer. What are Nets’ options, the complications of an Ayton sign-and-trade, would Miami really offer Jimmy Butler, what stars should other teams dangle, and more
theathletic.com/3393459/2022/0…5:10 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
We’re still going strong, reacting to the Kevin Durant trade request, the latest NBA free agency rumors and more: twitter.com/i/spaces/1ZkJz…5:09 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
If DeJounte Murray and Jrue Holiday can command three 1st round picks in their trades. How many 1st rounders (Not to mention actual useable players), will it take for some team to land Kevin Durant. This trade is going to likely to involve four teams. – 5:07 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
The Spurs got 3 first-round picks in the Dejounte Murray. Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, 3 firsts and 3 swaps for Kevin Durant. Ayton is better than the Suns would like you to think since they chose not to pay him. Bridges is a DPOY candidate. Johnson is a 3/D wing. – 5:07 PM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
Everything you need to know about the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, at @TheAthletic
Intel and insight on possible destinations, the Brooklyn fallout, the Kyrie Irving component and more, with @John Hollinger, @Joe Vardon and @Alex__Schiffer
theathletic.com/3393459/2022/0…5:06 PM
Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Nobody asked me, but I’d love to see KD for Zion and picks. – 5:03 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
I’m sorry KD did what now? – 5:00 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Tweet something KD – 4:59 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
pod on KD dropping soon – 4:58 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
We’re going live in 2 minutes on @PHNX_Suns to talk Kevin Durant and how it could happen! Join us:
https://t.co/JhV4dkWx4w pic.twitter.com/hHZdtq5yKx4:58 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
I wanna see KD and Kyrie get traded together just to see how in the hell a team matches $79.5M in salary in a trade. – 4:56 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith says Heat “has assets that Brooklyn doesn’t particularly want” and that Durant “wants to be in” Phoenix, despite owning a home in Miami. – 4:56 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The “starting talks with Devin Booker” thing is a nonstarter. The Nets literally can’t trade for him with Ben Simmons still on the roster, and KD wanting to come to Phoenix most likely starts and ends with wanting to play with Book and Chris Paul – 4:55 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Zach Lowe wants Sean Marks calling Masai Ujiri about KD immediately pic.twitter.com/VY553Mgb9H4:54 PM

Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Worth noting that Kevin Durant selected Joel Embiid with his first pick of the 2022 All-Star draft. – 4:54 PM
Tom Westerholm @Tom_NBA
There is absolutely no reason for the Nets to accommodate KD and Kyrie by trading them to the same team and also no reason a team would want both of them. – 4:54 PM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
What your best pitch to Kevin Durant to get him to play for the Pelicans? – 4:52 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“The Nets need to do what is best for them”
@TermineRadio reacts to the massive breaking news of Kevin Durant requesting a trade from the Brooklyn Nets #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/VD207ogThZ4:52 PM

JD Shaw @JShawNBA
LaMelo Ball appears to be lobbying for the Hornets to acquire Kevin Durant, as others are likely doing with their respective teams: pic.twitter.com/OWrrtFcP1N4:52 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
If you are hesitating on a Kevin Durant trade you probably hesitated on the Chris Paul trade and you cannot be saved. – 4:52 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
Veteran NBA scout sizes up key Heat players heading into this wonderful free agency and Durant chaos: miamiherald.com/sports/spt-col…4:51 PM
Jason Calmes @BourbonStShots
Re: KD to Pels, and what you’d give up.
There doesn’t have to be a “right answer.” Some people want to aim for a title and have more volatility in year to year results.
I’d prefer to aim to be consistently very good and hope we can get a lucky run or two towards title.
-MP – 4:48 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Nets front office/ownership lost Kevin Durant’s trust, as previously reported.
Kyrie’s negotiations certainly didn’t help, and KD had enough. – 4:47 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
What would a trade package for Kevin Durant look like?
We start with 🇨🇦
NBA Today youtu.be/9Sb97CQgXH4 via @YouTube4:46 PM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
“This gives the Lakers their best chance at Kyrie.”
On Kevin Durant’s desired landing spots in Phoenix and Miami, what Brooklyn will need to part with the Hall of Famer, and a how this could help Los Angeles’ quest to land Kyrie Irving, all at @BR_NBA: bleacherreport.com/articles/10040…4:44 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Brian Windhorst, on ESPN, says Durant is “focused” on landing in Phoenix, and that one reason KD requested the trade today (before start of FA) was so that DeAndre Ayton could be included in a potential trade package.
Windy notes KD’s relationship with CP3 and and Devin Booker. – 4:42 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
The Nets CAN get Bam Adebayo (if they trade Ben Simmons). When you get to moves as big as Kevin Durant, everything has to be on the table. – 4:41 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
“We’re that good”
Harden said on Jan 12 after the Nets, with KD/Kyrie, dominated the Bulls.
Just over 5 months later — Brooklyn’s title hopes are gone. This team packed more drama into 5 months than most teams do in 5 years. And the drama ultimately overwhelmed the organization – 4:37 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Windhorst says on NBA Today that Durant is focused on the Suns, with the Miami Heat also an interest. – 4:37 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
An interesting narrative is that the Nets can send KD anywhere because he has four years left on his contract. But if he can force his way out with four years left, then how exactly would there be comfort from an acquiring team not on his wish list? #PlayersLeague4:35 PM
Eric Patten @EricPatten
Now imagine if OKC brings KD back – 4:35 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
My mom is currently texting me about Kevin Durant #reporting4:34 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant – a PG County (Md.) product – has talked in the past about how the #Nets were the closest he’s been to home. His business (35 Ventures/Boardroom) is in NYC, he owns the Philadelphia Union in #MLS. #Sixers star Joel Embiid is a huge fan. Hmmm. #NBA #76ers – 4:34 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Kevin Durant wants out of Brooklyn. Why that’s great for the Rockets — for now. houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 4:33 PM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
I also don’t understand why Durant signed a contract extension long before he had to and didn’t get a player option. – 4:32 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
From the inbox: Online sportsbook Bovada has some odds on Kevin Durant’s next team (https://t.co/ANeD61DWLG) pic.twitter.com/acmihKi9x44:31 PM

Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
Great point just made on ESPN by @Tim Bontemps. This Durant news will create some sort of a free agent logjam as teams wait for that show to drop. Another great point by Tim is that the Royce O’Neal trade is an indication the Nets are looking for some high level players for KD – 4:28 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
By now you know that Kevin Durant has requested a trade. What could the Heat offer the Nets for Durant? miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… More than half of the league has already called Brooklyn about Kevin Durant, per @Adrian Wojnarowski4:27 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant requests trade from #Nets in #NBA bombshell nypost.com/2022/06/30/kev… via @nypostsports4:26 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
Is it possible the Nets front office made the O’Neale trade without knowing Kevin Durant was asking for a trade? – 4:23 PM
Dave Mason @DeuceMason
TOO MUCH GOING ON.
KD WANTS OUT?! Monk to the Kings?!
We’re going LIVE!
https://t.co/LLeLC2Zubn pic.twitter.com/Q85OSHBKdn4:22 PM

Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
I genuinely do not see a realistic Raptors-Nets trade that lands Kevin Durant in Toronto – 4:21 PM
Jay King @ByJayKing
I would love the basketball fit of Durant on the Pelicans. – 4:21 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
The moratorium can be annoying, but it does help with giving teams time to arrange deals in the proper order.
Order of operations matters a TON in the offseason. Doing a huge KD deal and having to lock in all the details immediately on the fly would be REALLY hard. – 4:19 PM
Krishna Narsu @knarsu3
If KD gets traded to Phoenix, has he played with every HOF PG in the league now? Oh missing Dame I guess. – 4:12 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Housekeeping item: If DA is involved in a KD trade (which he almost certainly would be), the team signing-and-trading for him is hardcapped and can’t exceed $157M in salary at any point.
So most of these Suns trades would have to go down BEFORE the Royce O’Neale deal is official – 4:11 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
On @TSN1050Radio talking Kevin Durant right now. – 4:11 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
every fan who is insisting their team couldn’t be better with Kevin Durant … i mean, come on – 4:10 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I don’t think, short of a surprising Golden State deal, any Kevin Durant trade creates an overwhelming title favorite.
Durant’s new team will definitely be high on the list, but no team with Durant becomes what the 2017 Warriors were or anything. – 4:09 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
One of many things affecting Heat’s Durant chances – and this organization lives for moments like this (Zo, Shaq, LeBron) – is whether Ayton would be agreeable to go to Brooklyn. If not, Heat could put together better offer, even without Bam. – 4:08 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Real talk, I do think the KD news could affect the #Pacers. They have the cap space to eat bad contracts and could therefore facilitate a trade while moving players they no longer want and collecting assets (young players/picks).
Season would be bad but beneficial long term. – 4:08 PM
Rod Beard @detnewsRodBeard
The big problem with any potential #Pistons pursuit of Kevin Durant is that they don’t have any big contracts to throw into the pot.
Kelly Olynyk ($12.8M) is the biggest contract, then Cade Cunningham at $10.6M. – 4:07 PM
Carl Steward @stewardsfolly
Durant asks for trade. Here’s your big chance, Sacramento! – 4:07 PM
Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoop
People were thinking Kevin Durant would be staying put in Brooklyn once Kyrie opted in to the final year of his contract with the Nets…
But KD decided to get a little “Rowdy” pic.twitter.com/UpGkHPie6n4:06 PM

Rod Boone @rodboone
It’s not like he’d come here because the team isn’t close to winning, but if you were the #Hornets what specific package would you offer the #Nets for Kevin Durant? – 4:05 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
Add Gallinari to the handful of Heat PF options if Tucker leaves as expected; he’s expected to be bought out by Spurs. The latest from our Heat/NBA free agency live blog, with Durant news and more: miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia…4:03 PM
Mirjam Swanson @MirjamSwanson
Could the Clippers be in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes? He’s considered them before …
ocregister.com/2022/06/30/cou…4:03 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Alright, you know I had to do it.
Kevin Durant has requested a trade. What can the Sixers offer, and what’s the likelihood of it being the winning offer? phillyvoice.com/nba-trade-rumo…4:01 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Bulls cannot compete with package many teams can offer for KD. Just announce the LaVine max deal and try and take advantage of the KD fallout. – 3:59 PM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
Have a story coming at @BR_NBA shortly, and we’re going live on @getcallin in just a few minutes.
Join us as the Kevin Durant trade sweepstakes commence: callin.com/link/EaFCnvABtD3:59 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
I’m on vacation.
Might as well keep having fun.
Saw Kevin Durant requesting trade as free agency set to launch at 6 p.m. ET.
Durant and Devin Booker won Olympic gold in Tokyo.
Could they win an #NBA title together, too?
What wound happen if they teamed up in Phoenix? #Suns pic.twitter.com/ViuXHMenAa3:59 PM

Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
With Kevin Durant’s trade request, Brooklyn #Nets immediately dropped from 7-1 to 25-1 to win 2023 #NBA championship. (Should be 100-1). #Clippers still co-favorites with #Warriors and #Suns for title. Durant remains 10-1 to win MVP. Kyrie Irving 100-1 and higher. – 3:58 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Denver’s Nikola Jokic, Phoenix’s Devin Booker, Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns and Memphis’ Ja Morant are all expected to verbally seal mammoth contract extensions soon after 6 PM ET tonight … for those tracking notable sidebars to the Kevin Durant Requests A Trade blockbuster. – 3:57 PM
Thaddeus Young @yungsmoove21
Quick power nap wake up and KD got them going crazy …WOW – 3:54 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Not reporting!!!
Masai Ujiri has never feared taking a homerun swing. I wouldn’t sleep on the Raptors for KD. – 3:53 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
It’s gonna be tough for Lakers to get KD w unprotected firsts in 27&29, Russ and a production deal with Mav Carter, I think – 3:51 PM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
Got thoughts on the Kevin Durant trade request? The Nets? Kyrie Irving?
COME SHARE THEM WITH @HardwoodKnocks ⬇️
https://t.co/kDfeozzr1m pic.twitter.com/crX0mJcXZu3:50 PM

Dan Favale @danfavale
somewhat lost amid all the kd chaos: the jazz just traded their best non-gobert defender without getting an actual player back.
solid news dumping by utah tbh. – 3:50 PM
Mike Mazzeo @MazzNYC
Title Futures: Nets now +1600 at FanDuel, +2500 at DraftKings and +3000 on Caesars. Obviously this is all subject to change depending on what the return is for Kevin Durant, and then whatever else they do … – 3:49 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
On @Sirius XM NBA now with @Rick Kamla quickly talking Kevin Durant’s trade request. – 3:49 PM
Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
Next on NBA Today’s free agency special on ESPN2: @Bobby Marks joins us to outline where Kevin Durant could land and the packages that add up. – 3:49 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Could we see Kevin Durant in the Valley of the Sun?
@adaniels33 reacts to the news that the #Suns are one of KD’s preferred destinations. #NetsWorld #RallyTheValley pic.twitter.com/yY8jWq2R3Y3:49 PM

Kyle Ratke @Kyle_Ratke
Did nobody want to tell Sean Marks about Durant before HE TRADED A FIRST-ROUND PICK FOR ROYCE O’NEALE?! – 3:49 PM
Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
The latest on Kevin Durant requesting a trade from the Nets from @Adrian Wojnarowski.
Join us now on ESPN2 for our NBA Today Free Agency special as we break it all down. pic.twitter.com/dsRBjecW8S3:49 PM

Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
Durant holds Bam in high regard, one of several reasons Miami would presumably be appealing to him. But without Butler included, a Heat package around Herro and 4 first-rounders (including Jovic) and cap facilitating contracts likely wouldn’t be enough to get Durant. – 3:47 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Woj, on ESPN, says “it’s likely that not only Kevin Durant, but also Kyrie Irving, has played his last game with Brooklyn.” – 3:47 PM
Chris Herrington @ChrisHerrington
From a Grizz perspective, everyone wants to do Durant deals without Bane or Jackson, and that’s technically doable. Realistically, to trump other offers + Durant’s preferences, Jackson probably has to be there. And even then it’s probably not most likely. – 3:47 PM
Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoops
Celtics fans: Would you put Jaylen Brown in a deal for KD?
For me, depends what else Brad Stevens would have to give up. – 3:46 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Lol all those tweet drafts nba insiders had ready for 6pm just got deleted.
Nothing significant happens until a KD destination is picked. – 3:46 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
As a basketball fan, I’m rooting for Kevin Durant to end up in Portland.
Damian Lillard deserves this. – 3:46 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Perk opening his comments by saying “how proud I am of Kevin Durant” is quite a vibe – 3:44 PM
Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband
“The Nets are moving Kevin Durant. They need a scoring forward. Sean Marks and I go way back. Let me talk to him.” pic.twitter.com/Qc2sNCfO1l3:44 PM

Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
More than half of the league has already called Brooklyn about Kevin Durant, @Adrian Wojnarowski just said on ESPN. Lol. – 3:43 PM
Alan Hahn @alanhahn
Props to @Brian Windhorst for being all over the Nets stuff, from the Harden-Simmons deal to the franchise ready to accept losing KD for their hard stance with Kyrie. Windy knows, man! @ESPNNBA3:42 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Woj says that “more than half the league has called Brooklyn about acquiring Kevin Durant”. – 3:42 PM
Nick Wright @getnickwright
The Lakers getting Kyrie is now (as @Brian Windhorst has repeatedly said) a *very* real possibility.
Brooklyn doesn’t want him w/o Durant & there is going to be very little market for him unless it’s somewhere he wants to go. I’d imagine he ends up in DAL or LA. – 3:42 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
With Simmons needed to be sent out (to Heat or elsewhere) in any Bam/Nets deal, one HYPOTHETICAL permutation that would work within cap rules is Durant/Simmons for Bam, Herro, Lowry, Robinson and three first-rounders (including Jokic). – 3:41 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Kevin Durant once called Mark Cuban an idiot (after Cuban said Durant’s then-teammate Russell Westbrook wasn’t a superstar), but Durant always has been complimentary of @Dirk Nowitzki and Dallas fans. And who wouldn’t want to play with Doncic? (Other than Brunson, apparently). – 3:41 PM
Sopan Deb @SopanDeb
Someone what help me out. Why did the Nets trade a first rounder for Royce O’Neal knowing they’re about to trade Kevin Durant and essentially begin a rebuild? – 3:41 PM
Kyle Ratke @Kyle_Ratke
I’m ready for the “Let me tell why why the Nets will BE BETTER without Kevin Durant – coming up after the commercial break” takes. – 3:40 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
On Kevon Looney, Isaiah Hartenstein, Mo Bamba and other bigs the Suns should target with the MLE (which might be more relevant if KD happens and Deandre Ayton is sign-and-traded away): bit.ly/3Paxucb3:38 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Kevin Durant and Bo Cruz front-court in Miami? – 3:38 PM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
One surefire way to take yourself out of the Kevin Durant stakes is to trade all your draft capital for Dejounte Murray and Jock Landale half an hour later. – 3:37 PM
Payal Doshi @PayalDoshiTV
Can’t the Raptors just be a dark horse in the KD sweepstakes? #NBAFreeAgency3:37 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Lol the Kevin Durant news crashed the Fanspo trade machine pic.twitter.com/YSp7g6pzt03:35 PM

Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband
Kyrie: “I’m staying with the Nets.”
KD: pic.twitter.com/aP69QhbWVR3:35 PM

Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
So, let’s say the Nets trade Kyrie then trade Durant but not to Portland.
Then the Nets decide to deal Ben Simmons.
Should the Blazers get in on that? I say, absolutely. But DO NOT give up Anfernee Simons.
He is cheaper, a shooter, more mature and uses up one less m. – 3:34 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Chris and I talked Durant trades and hypotheticals on the pod. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the…3:34 PM
Jay King @ByJayKing
After watching Celtics-Nets in the first round, I am not surprised Kevin Durant looked at everything around him and thought “nahhhhhhhhhh.” – 3:34 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Kevin Durant 6 days ago on his podcast: “There’s a lot of uncertainty with our team. I understand why so much noise around us but as individuals just control what you can and move forward. When the time’s right everything will work out for itself.” – 3:33 PM
Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband
But what team possibly has enough assets and cap space to trade for Kevin Durant?!? pic.twitter.com/OmPydgUOd83:33 PM

Alan Hahn @alanhahn
If you’re the Nets, and KD wants to go to Phoenix, don’t you start the conversation with Devin Booker? I’m sending you one of the three best players in the game. Don’t offer me your supporting cast players! FOH – 3:31 PM
Nick Wright @getnickwright
LeBron & AD, PG13 & Kawhi, and KD & Kyrie teamed up in the same Summer.
The Lakers have been largely pilloried by the media in this era. They also won a Championship.
Meanwhile, KD/Kyrie & Kawhi/PG13 played a combined ZERO (0) Finals, or even Conference Finals, games together. – 3:31 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
KD wants out… yes it’s worse than 12-70 #Nets twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…3:30 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Free agent movement has just been hi-jacked by KD. There is not one untouchable piece in the Bulls organization – player, coach, front office, PR – that shouldn’t be included in a deal if you’re AK. Not one. Three years of KD is better than 5 years of any Bull. – 3:30 PM
Justin Garcia @tmjgarcia
The absolutely hilarious part is the Warriors are actually the team positioned to make the best offer for Durant – 3:30 PM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
Most fun KD trade outcomes for all of us just from a HOLY SHIT standpoint…
1. Zion/Pels
2. AD/Lakers
3. Knicks
4. OKC
5. Boston
Finishing last… Sacramento – 3:28 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Heat convos went from Otto Porter to Kevin Durant so quick LOL – 3:27 PM
David Locke @DLocke09
What’s your package for Durant? – 3:27 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
My take on Kevin Durant’s list of teams:
That’s nice, but the Nets have to make the best trade for the Nets. They have no reason to move KD to a team offering a lesser package to make him happy. This is your one, best chance to fully reset everything. Nets have to get it right. – 3:27 PM
Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Haven’t done any salary math, but Vuc, Patrick Williams, Portland’s 1st, a #Bulls 1st and any other player on the roster Brooklyn wants, Durant is about to turn 34 – 3:26 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Durant playoff win% with Steph:
— 78.6%
Kyrie playoff win% with LeBron:
— 75.0%
Durant playoff win% with Kyrie:
— 46.2% pic.twitter.com/jzuyz7632n3:26 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
No contact with the Nets from Durant and Irving since Kyrie opted into his deal
sportando.basketball/en/no-contact-…3:26 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
I do enjoy that in 11 months we’ve gone from “They took WHO over Jalen Suggs?” to “Scottie Barnes is untouchable, even for Kevin Durant.”
None of that is even wrong necessarily, it’s just a hell of a development. – 3:25 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
We’ve got:
@Chris Haynes reporting Kevin Durant has the Suns as his preferred destination
@Quinton Mayo reporting Deandre Ayton to the Suns rumors
– Myself among others reporting Kyrie Irving’s interest in going to the Lakers
What an organizational fumble. – 3:25 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Kevin Durant made the trade request directly to Nets owner Joe Tsai today, sources tell ESPN. – 3:25 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Talking to folks around the NBA the belief is that everything is going to pause with the opening of free agency until Kevin Durant’s next home is decided. Every team and player will sit mostly still until Durant is traded. Then the flood will happen. – 3:25 PM
Shandel Richardson @ShandelRich
Kevin Durant shakes things up before the free agency period begins #miamiheat si.com/nba/heat/miami…3:24 PM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
Maybe just keep KD and use the stretch provision on Kyrie. – 3:24 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving trade rumors shuffle equation for Heat, NBA ahead of free agency. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h…3:24 PM
Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Kevin Durant ranks 4th all-time in points per game and 1st among active players. He has averaged 25 points in every season of his career except his rookie year.
Most Career PPG
Michael Jordan: 30.1
Wilt Chamberlain: 30.1
Elgin Baylor: 27.4
Kevin Durant: 27.2
LeBron James: 27.1 – 3:24 PM
Frank Isola @TheFrankIsola
Now we know why Kevin Durant had been so quiet the last few days and why he danced around the Kyrie situation on his “new media” podcast. – 3:24 PM
Kevin O’Connor @KevinOConnorNBA
Now on @SpotifyLive talking Kevin Durant and what’s next: spotifylive.link/NDKktXOXhrb3:22 PM
Alex Raskin @RaskinDailyMail
Never forget: #Nets signed an over-the-hill DeAndre Jordan to a four-year, $40 million deal before benching and trading Jarrett Allen to convince Durant and Irving to sign in Brooklyn. This team scuttled its own rebuilding plan for a Durant/Irving combo and got NOTHING. – 3:22 PM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
Sneak peak at the 2022/23 Phoenix Suns led by Chris Paul and Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/WHnNBWeg6I3:22 PM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
The Nets got Kevin Durant and proceeded to make mistakes every step of the way. – 3:22 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
Kevin Durant requests trade from Brooklyn Nets nj.com/sports/2022/06…3:22 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Miami has to unprotect their 2025 1st round pick they owe OKC if they want to send Brooklyn picks for KD.
Sam Presti may ask for additional compensation on top of unprotecting the pick because adding KD makes the pick worse. – 3:22 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Kevin Durant has requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets😱
basketnews.com/news-174405-ke…3:21 PM
Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
At the age of 33, Kevin Durant produced so much that his $42 million salary was a moneymaker for the Nets.
He’s owed close to $200 million in the years to come, though, ending when he’s 37.
What’s this analysis based on? More here, free:
https://t.co/piSbIkkKck pic.twitter.com/wXzxBx0IQn3:21 PM

Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
NEW: Durant asks for trade; Heat is on his list and Miami is obviously interested in Durant. But Phoenix – also on Durant’s list – has more good young assets to offer because of an arcane cap rule restricting Adebayo’s trade availability to Brooklyn: miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia…3:20 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Kevin Durant is asking for a trade so what exactly does that mean for the Celtics offseason? A first look at new trade options, Brooklyn’s potential demands and much more masslive.com/celtics/2022/0…3:20 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
My answer to any question on a trade package for Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/4f0Q7KrjJn3:19 PM

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
What would a Kevin Durant trade look like? What kind of package would it take to land him?
@NekiasNBA recently broke it down and looked at potential destinations for KD: basketballnews.com/stories/nba-tr…3:19 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Mindblowing! Kevin Durant is setting to leave Brooklyn and he gonna change the upcoming season overall. This off-season belongs to KD from today. Phoenix, Miami or elsewhere maybe. #NBAFreeAgency
sdna.gr/mpasket/980653…3:18 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Kevin Durant requests trade from Nets, prefers Suns or Heat nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/30/rep…3:17 PM
Alvaro Martin @AlvaroNBAMartin
¿Por qué sonríe este señor? Si estás en sus zapatos de lujo, ¿qué entregarías a cambio de Kevin Durant? (creatividad pero con decencia, por favor) pic.twitter.com/yT0vBOtOL53:16 PM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Kyrie: “See you in the fall!!”
KD:
pic.twitter.com/X6MKmW4eEi3:15 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Best the Heat can do right now is Lowry, Herro, mix of young guys (Vincent, Strus, Yurt) and three first-round picks (plus swaps). It’s possible they could reroute Lowry to a third team to have younger players go back to BKN, but not sure how many teams are helping Riley land KD – 3:13 PM
Adam Lauridsen @GSWFastBreak
Suns working to land KD like… pic.twitter.com/PXifNUSsby3:13 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Funniest places the Nets can trade Kevin Durant to, ranked:
1. OKC – 3:13 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Remember how 2014 free agency ground to a halt while the whole league waited for LeBron?
Yea, I have to imagine 2022 free agency does the same thing for Durant. Maybe Brunson still goes to the Knicks quickly, but a lot of the other big fish are gonna have to wait for KD. – 3:13 PM
Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski
The Wolves have to look at the possibilities here. If you can pair KD with KAT and Ant, you do it. Realistic? Unlikely.
But it may be time revisit the Ben Simmons discussions as well. – 3:12 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Bane, Zaire, Brooks, Adams’ expiring and future firsts for KD … who says no?
I just want him to go to a fun team we wouldn’t expect. – 3:12 PM
Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
KD reading all y’all tweets right now too lol – 3:12 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Predictions:
– Kevin Durant to the Suns.
– Kyrie Irving to the Lakers.
– Ben Simmons to the Wolves.
– The most insane Western Conference we’ve ever seen. – 3:11 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
With 4 years left on KD’s deal, and his likely destinations being very unlikely to have the best trade package, this will be our biggest test ever of player empowerment. How much can he control his destination given the duration of the contract? – 3:11 PM
Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Could DeRozan, Durant and LaVine win a title? #Bulls3:10 PM
Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
KD/Book/CP3 is a bomb squad – 3:10 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
the most diabolical outcome to this whole thing is the nets asking kd for his list of preferred trade destinations *specifically* so they can send him somewhere that’s not on it pic.twitter.com/fiPvjXncO23:09 PM

Andrew Sharp @andrewsharp
Kyrie: “See you in the fall. A11even.”
KD: “Wellllll…” – 3:09 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Ultimately, I don’t think I’m moving Barnes + necessary salaries (OG + GTG?) and picks for Durant. But this is one of the best top 12 players of all time who is currently one of the five best players on the planet. You talk about it. – 3:08 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
This could really be insane
The Heat miss out on everybody
But now sit a big time package away from a top 3 player in the world: Kevin Durant
Bam Adebayo can’t be offered in this deal due to contracts with Ben Simmons
So it’s time for madness – 3:08 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
If Brooklyn really wants picks for Durant, Houston is like, a generational winner today.
If the Nets go in the tank to try to come away with a remotely decent pick through their swap rights with the Rockets next year, Houston’s odds are Victor Wembanyama go up significantly. – 3:07 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbach
UCLA has inquired about Kevin Durant for its move to the Big Ten more at 11 – 3:07 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
I still wanna see Durant go back to OKC. It would just be amazing to me. He could literally rewrite his legacy on the fly, going almost the same route that LeBron did to bring a title to the team that drafted him (well, the zombie Sonics) after rings elsewhere. Not happening tho – 3:06 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
Durant didn’t get a player option on the final year of that four-year extension, which always struck me. Not sure why it amounted like that, but normally someone of his stature gets every bit of player-friendliness on a deal. Locked in for 4 years now as Nets look for a trade. – 3:06 PM
Steve Popper @StevePopper
I don’t know the inner workings of the Durant and Nets relationship, but I do know if he’s asking out now after kyrie opted in, I think I’d be searching for the best offer, not satisfying Durant’s wish list. – 3:05 PM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
COULD HAVE BEEN: Kyrie, KD, Harden.
ACTUALLY IS: Kyrie, Ben Simmons, Royce O’Neale, and Iunno, Duncan Robinson? – 3:05 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Durant in the playoffs for the Nets:
— 32.3 PPG
— 8.4 RPG
— 4.9 APG
— 49/39/88%
7 wins. 9 losses. pic.twitter.com/4aR7Cry5p93:05 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving had no contact with the franchise after Irving opted into his deal on Monday, and a sense of inevitability existed that Durant would eventually ask for a trade, sources tell ESPN. It happened today. – 3:04 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Just to get this out of the way:
Yes, of course you would trade Tyrese Maxey for Kevin Durant. Tyrese Maxey would trade Tyrese Maxey for Kevin Durant.
Also: you don’t get Kevin Durant unless he says “I want to go to Philadelphia.” – 3:04 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
The Ayton BYC issues don’t go away because KD asked for a trade. – 3:04 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
Kyrie: “We’re gonna have a special season. I just know it.”
KD:
pic.twitter.com/NIi4LpqU5n3:04 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
i would trade anthony davis for kevin durant in two seconds if i was the lakers. the nba needs this. – 3:03 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Phoenix and Miami are among two of the teams that Kevin Durant has on his wish list, sources tell ESPN, but the Nets plan to move Durant where they can get the best possible deal. With four years on his contract, there’s no shortage of teams willing to unload assets for Durant. – 3:03 PM
Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
The outline for a trade for a star has been roughly a promising young potential All-Star plus several 1st round picks and also some pick swaps. Obviously there hasn’t been anyone on the trade market as good as Kevin Durant. How many teams can check off all those marks right now? – 3:02 PM
Ben Rohrbach @brohrbach
Kevin Durant wants to leave a contender to join the team that won far more regular-season games than any other before losing a Game 7 to an inferior playoff opponent. Sounds familiar. – 3:02 PM
Rod Beard @detnewsRodBeard
Here are Kevin Durant’s remaining contract numbers … and you know what — it doesn’t even matter.
Every team will tear up the roster to get KD. I love free agency. pic.twitter.com/H5mfuIMtRg3:00 PM

Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Kyrie: “Normal people keep the world going, but those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow. I’ve made my decision to opt in. See you in the fall.”
Durant: pic.twitter.com/Ej2UKgcJlz3:00 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
Did some potential KD trades last week w/ @Bobby Marks on the Lowe Post podcast — including PHX deals that are somewhat complicated by the hard cap in the event Brooklyn acquires Ayton in a sign-and-trade.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bob…3:00 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Players to average 50/40/85% or better over the last 2 seasons:
— Kevin Durant
He was one free throw off from going 50/40/90%. pic.twitter.com/w1JtiZt5B73:00 PM

Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Heat (and a ton of teams) had been preparing for a run at Durant. Kyrie opted in. Things paused. It’s back on. – 2:59 PM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
New Orleans. Landing spot for Durant. Calling it now. – 2:59 PM
Arash Markazi @ArashMarkazi
– USC and UCLA are looking to leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten.
– Kevin Durant has officially requested a trade to leave Brooklyn.
My Fourth of July weekend plans: pic.twitter.com/f0v3DokLyy2:59 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
KD gonna join a 73 win team and a 64 win team lol – 2:59 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
Make your prediction now. Where’s KD going? – 2:58 PM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
On Monday, as the league prepared for Kevin Durant to potentially request a trade during the Kyrie opt-in saga, Phoenix and Miami were often mentioned as the All-Star’s perceived favorite landing spots. – 2:58 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Here are the list of players to pick from if you are the Nets in a Durant package.
Remember that the Thunder received 5 first rd. picks, 2 years of pick swaps and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Paul George back in 2019.
espn.com/nba/insider/in…2:58 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
KD to Portland for Simons, Sharpe and a first every other year until 2035 … who says no? – 2:57 PM
Kyle Ratke @Kyle_Ratke
KD landing spots? Boston, LAC, Miami — feels like it should be easier to find a match. – 2:57 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Kevin Durant has the Phoenix Suns listed as a preferred trade destination, league sources tell @YahooSports. – 2:57 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Kyrie: I’m renewing my commitment to the Brooklyn Nets.
Simmons: I might be ready to maybe take a jump shot.
KD: I’m out. – 2:57 PM
Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
FWIW, the Royce trade has been in the works for at least a couple of days, so I don’t know that it’s related to the Kevin Durant news. – 2:57 PM
Damichael Cole @DamichaelC
Wherever KD goes, he gotta go back to 35 🔥. – 2:57 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
KD when Kyrie said he’s coming back pic.twitter.com/Df9hZb0HUw2:57 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
As the Nets prepare to move one of the most valuable trade assets ever on the market, the entire roster will available to discuss in deals, sources tell ESPN. Teams have been calling on Durant, and the Nets will certainly look for a historic return on players and draft picks. – 2:56 PM
Howard Chen @TheHoChen
Just your normal (COMPLETELY SARCASTIC) day: UCLA/USC about to leave the Pac12 and KD requests a trade. Gotcha. – 2:56 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Kevin Durant has four years and $197.6M left on his deal.
And everyone will be lining up the best possible they can to trade for him. – 2:56 PM
Alexis Morgan @alexismorgan
every nba player and their mother going to be calling kd from the parking lot rn – 2:55 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Kevin Durant has requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, league sources confirm. – 2:55 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Kevin Durant put up crazy numbers for Nets:
28.7 PPG
7.3 RPG
6.1 APG
53/41/90%
In 90 games. pic.twitter.com/uTqGQI3VFT2:55 PM

Ben Anderson @BensHoops
Also, that Brooklyn first round might not be too bad if KD is gone. – 2:55 PM
Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving didn’t last together? Wow! Who would have thought! – 2:54 PM
Matthew Tynan @Matthew_Tynan
Man if you thought yesterday was crazy… let me tell you about that one time Kevin Durant decided to switch teams. – 2:54 PM
Chris Fedor @ChrisFedor
The eventual KD trade package is going to be insane! – 2:54 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
two days ago: Dare to be different. Here to finish what I started with 7.
KD: pic.twitter.com/a6Lvpdvmic2:53 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Kevin Durant played 15 more regular season games with the Brooklyn Nets than Paul Pierce pic.twitter.com/MFYn0ltIph2:52 PM

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Kyrie opts in and KD still wants out. Incredible. With four years left on his deal and Durant, at 34, still playing at an MVP level, Brooklyn could — and should — get back one of the largest trade packages in NBA history. – 2:52 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
If you’re wondering what a Suns-Nets trade for Kevin Durant might look like, I threw out a few options here (bit.ly/3GsnHe1) and at the beginning of this one here (bit.ly/39Z0AMo) – 2:51 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Earthquake hits NBA 3:10 before free agency. Good luck topping the Durant news, free agents. – 2:51 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Kevin Durant has informed the Brooklyn Nets that he wants to be traded, league sources confirmed to @YahooSports. – 2:51 PM
Matthew Tynan @Matthew_Tynan
So, how bout this KD thing, yeah? – 2:51 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
There’s always that one name that comes out of nowhere
That name is Kevin Durant – 2:50 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks is working with Kevin Durant and his business manager Rich Kleiman on finding a trade for the franchise star, Kleiman tells ESPN. – 2:49 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Kevin Durant has requested a trade out of Brooklyn, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. – 2:49 PM
Lang Greene @LangGreene
Crazy. The two teams KD and Kyrie CHOSE to LEAVE, willingly, just got finished battling in the NBA Finals. – 11:27 PM

More on this storyline

 

With the Brooklyn Nets about to blow up their roster in the wake of Kevin Durant’s trade demand Thursday, Kyrie Irving appears on his way out the door, too. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reported on air Thursday that Irving wants to re-join LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers “as soon as he possibly can.” “He’s been telling people he wants to be in L.A., he’s been telling people he wants to wear the same uniform that Kobe Bryant once wore,” Smith said. -via Newark Star-Ledger / June 30, 2022

 

Mavericks to offer five-year contract to Jalen Brunson

Sources said the Mavs are willing to give Brunson a five-year contract – which only Dallas can offer due to owning his Bird rights – that is comparable to the four-year, $85 million deal guard Fred VanVleet signed with the Toronto Raptors in 2020. …

Sources said the Mavs are willing to give Brunson a five-year contract — which only Dallas can offer due to owning his Bird rights — that is comparable to the four-year, $85 million deal guard Fred VanVleet signed with the Toronto Raptors in 2020.
Source: Tim MacMahon @ ESPN

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Mike Prada @MikePradaNBA
Truly CAAn’t believe Jalen Brunson is signing with the Knicks. They must believe he CAAn help them get to the next level. – 6:34 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
If Jalen Brunson ends up with the Knicks, it’ll be fascinating to see how he fits into an offense with two top scorers, Barrett and Randle, who are best inside the arc, as well as possibly a rim-diving 5. Brunson is so effective in part bc of his rinkydink moves inside the arc. – 6:26 PM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
ESPN story on the Knicks emerging as the strong favorites to sign Mavs free agent guard Jalen Brunson: espn.com/nba/story/_/id…6:22 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Source: Mavericks expect Jalen Brunson will sign with New York Knicks in free agency dallasnews.com/sports/maveric…5:41 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
jalen brunson is really good and not an egregious overpay.
actual issue is the process by which the knicks get here—and that brunson is someone you prioritize when you already have The Guy, not when you don’t even have someone on your roster to be/grow into The Guy. – 5:40 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Point guards to average 15+ PPG and 50+ FG% in 2022:
— Jrue Holiday
— Jalen Brunson pic.twitter.com/8mRZnN90lW5:38 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Jalen Brunson took off in the 2022 playoffs:
— 7th in total points
— 2-1 without Luka
— 2nd most OREB by a guard
— Outscored Booker and CP3 combined in a game 7
Time to get paid. pic.twitter.com/IWBrfFjCww5:32 PM

Tim Cato @tim_cato
i’ll add to the chorus: the Mavericks have had a belief for at least the past couple weeks, multiple sources tell me, that Jalen Brunson would sign with the Knicks. at this point, it’s seen as a certainty. – 5:22 PM
Trey Kerby @treykerby
If Jalen Brunson called his dad for Father’s Day, it’s gonna cost the Knicks a second round draft pick. – 5:00 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
as punishment for tampering with jalen brunson before the start of free agency, the knicks will be allowed by the nba to continue their run of aimless self-sabotage, league sources say – 4:55 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
From earlier: A few Knicks notes, including NYK’s plans for Jericho Sims’ contract, TOR being among the teams interested in Nerlens Noel & opposing teams under impression NYK will be active beyond Jalen Brunson: sny.tv/articles/knick…4:53 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Part of the Knicks pitch to Jalen Brunson, I’m told, is the opportunity to be a full time point guard. In Dallas, Brunson can play with Luka. But Luka is the de facto point guard. In New York, Brunson would run the show. – 4:47 PM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
At this point, it’s widely anticipated that Jalen Brunson will go to the Knicks on a four-year deal in excess of $100M. It remains to be seen how New York will clear the rest of the necessary cap space and whether the Mavs can work a sign-and-trade to recoup assets. – 4:44 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“It really does sound like his number is going north of $25 million a year”
@Jake Fischer tells @EvCoRadio & @Brian Geltzeiler why the #Mavericks have lost confidence since draft night that Jalen Brunson will return to Dallas #NewYorkForever #MFFL pic.twitter.com/MPVV8rCBW43:03 PM

Kevin Pelton @kpelton
Looked back at the recent history of players who dramatically increased their usage after changing teams in free agency to understand what might happen if Jalen Brunson and Deandre Ayton do so this summer: es.pn/3NsGLL6 (ESPN+) – 1:04 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
From earlier: Knicks have optimism about landing Jalen Brunson; multiple teams have degree of interest in acquiring Alec Burks: sny.tv/articles/knick…12:32 PM

More on this storyline

 

Brunson, an unrestricted free agent because the fourth season of his rookie deal was non-guaranteed instead of a team option, declined the Mavs’ offer of a four-year, $55.5 million contract extension after the trade deadline, when Dallas forward Dorian Finney-Smith signed an identical deal. By that point, Brunson was confident that he would make significantly more as a free agent. -via ESPN / June 28, 2022
Brunson had informed the Mavs in January that he was willing to sign the extension if it was offered then, his father Rick Brunson told ESPN during the playoffs. Dallas made the calculated decision to hold off on discussions until after the trade deadline, in case the Mavs had the opportunity to trade for a star, as an extension would have prevented Brunson from being eligible to be traded before the deadline. -via ESPN / June 28, 2022
Starting guard Jalen Brunson hasn’t informed Dallas’ front office about where he plans to sign in what’s become a head-to-head pursuit between the Mavericks and the New York Knicks, a source told The Dallas Morning News on Tuesday. But the source said the Mavericks expect Brunson will choose the Knicks — and their family- and stardom-related perks — when the league allows players and teams to start verbally agreeing to new contracts at 11 p.m. Thursday. -via Dallas Morning News / June 28, 2022

 

Marcus Smart: Every year my name is in trade talks, and I’m still here

Mark Murphy: Marcus Smart on all that trade talk: “Every year my name is in talks, and I’m still here. I’m still the longest tenured Celtic. So I take it as a compliment. It means you’re valued pretty high and if your name is talked about people …

Mark Murphy: Marcus Smart on all that trade talk: “Every year my name is in talks, and I’m still here. I’m still the longest tenured Celtic. So I take it as a compliment. It means you’re valued pretty high and if your name is talked about people want you. But I don’t pay much attention.”
Source: Twitter @Murf56

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Mark Murphy @Murf56
Marcus Smart on all that trade talk: “Every year my name is in talks, and I’m still here. I’m still the longest tenured Celtic. So I take it as a compliment. It means you’re valued pretty high and if your name is talked about people want you. But I don’t pay much attention.” – 7:12 PM
Adam Himmelsbach @AdamHimmelsbach
Marcus Smart: “We’ve had star point guards, and yet this so-called non-point guard is the only one that’s led them to the Finals. I think that right there says enough.”
A lot more here: bostonglobe.com/2022/06/28/spo…5:20 PM

More on this storyline

 

Mark Murphy: Smart on C’s attracting free agents: “We got a bad rep in Boston for (FA’s). This year we opened a lot of eyes to how this team really is. It’s not everybody for themselves. Everybody is for each other, and I think maybe (FA’s think) I can give it a shot in Boston. We’ll see.” -via Twitter @Murf56 / June 28, 2022
“I think he’s a starter [in the NBA],” Carrawell, the Duke assistant coach, told The Post in a phone interview on Sunday about Trevor Keels. “It’s harder when you’re a second-round pick, but he’s only 18. If he stays with it, and gets an opportunity and improves, I compare him to Marcus Smart. -via New York Post / June 26, 2022

 

Miami willing to offer fully guaranteed three-year contract to PJ Tucker

According to an NBA source familiar with the situation, the Miami Heat are willing to extend a fully guaranteed contract for the maximum-allowable three years to free-agent power forward P.J. Tucker. The Heat’s offer is built off the $8.4 million …

According to an NBA source familiar with the situation, the Miami Heat are willing to extend a fully guaranteed contract for the maximum-allowable three years to free-agent power forward P.J. Tucker. The Heat’s offer is built off the $8.4 million non-Bird salary-cap exception, which would put the team’s standing offer at $27 million over three years.
Source: Ira Winderman @ South Florida Sun-Sentinel

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Dan Favale @danfavale
pj tucker has signed with the sixers two days before free agency for money philly doesn’t currently have access to pic.twitter.com/1MQLIssdGN4:51 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
If Harden is opting in *and* PJ Tucker is getting 3/$30m, then There Will Be Trades. Period. – 4:45 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
If the reports are true and Miami loses PJ Tucker due to overpaying, I’ll just say that’s a major loss heading into next year
They can pivot to a potential Barnes trade or something of that nature, but personally value what he brings very high
Maybe means something bigger otw – 4:45 PM

More on this storyline

 

Should the Heat lose out on Tucker, the team, according to an NBA source, is considering either a trade for former Heat power forward Jae Crowder, who is entering the final year of a contract that pays $10.2 million next season with the Phoenix Suns, or a possible free-agent move for Indiana Pacers forward T.J. Warren. -via South Florida Sun-Sentinel / June 28, 2022

 

Heat targeting Jae Crowder, TJ Warren if PJ Tucker walks

Should the Heat lose out on Tucker, the team, according to an NBA source, is considering either a trade for former Heat power forward Jae Crowder, who is entering the final year of a contract that pays $10.2 million next season with the Phoenix …

Should the Heat lose out on Tucker, the team, according to an NBA source, is considering either a trade for former Heat power forward Jae Crowder, who is entering the final year of a contract that pays $10.2 million next season with the Phoenix Suns, or a possible free-agent move for Indiana Pacers forward T.J. Warren.
Source: Ira Winderman @ South Florida Sun-Sentinel

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
New Dunc’d On Prime: @Jake Fischer on the draft trades, Dejounte to Hawks, Nets/Kyrie, MEM and SAS plans, Bridges and Ayton markets, TJ Warren, and more. Join us duncdon.supportingcast.fm6:18 PM
Dan Favale @danfavale
pj tucker has signed with the sixers two days before free agency for money philly doesn’t currently have access to pic.twitter.com/1MQLIssdGN4:51 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
If Harden is opting in *and* PJ Tucker is getting 3/$30m, then There Will Be Trades. Period. – 4:45 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
If the reports are true and Miami loses PJ Tucker due to overpaying, I’ll just say that’s a major loss heading into next year
They can pivot to a potential Barnes trade or something of that nature, but personally value what he brings very high
Maybe means something bigger otw – 4:45 PM
TJ Warren @TonyWarrenJr
Hold that follow thru – 11:42 AM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Rockets’ forward Jae’Sean Tate awards the $10,000 Jae’Sean Tate BUILT Scholarship on Bold.org to aspiring restaurateur, Victoria Bell of Lawrence, Kansas. With the help of a degree, Bell hopes to one day open her own restaurant or bakery. youtube.com/watch?v=20jliG…10:28 AM
Jay King @ByJayKing
TJ Warren? Otto Porter?
My list of players the Celtics should target in free agency: theathletic.com/3385063/2022/0…9:54 AM
Andrew Bogut @RogueBoguesPod
Basketball Pod Ep 70 – Jae’Sean Tate chats with @andrewbogut and @HoopConsultants about joining the @Milwaukee Bucks for the 2018 NBA Summer League.
Listen to it here 👇
https://t.co/u0OwdyWBh0
#LetsGetRogue #RogueBogues #NBA #SummerLeague @o_tate_ pic.twitter.com/K271Buqi6Q7:06 PM

More on this storyline

 

Phoenix has called rivals to measure Jae Crowder’s value on the trade market, sources said, while the Suns have been linked once again to Eric Gordon. -via Bleacher Report / June 23, 2022
According to an NBA source familiar with the situation, the Miami Heat are willing to extend a fully guaranteed contract for the maximum-allowable three years to free-agent power forward P.J. Tucker. The Heat’s offer is built off the $8.4 million non-Bird salary-cap exception, which would put the team’s standing offer at $27 million over three years. -via South Florida Sun-Sentinel / June 28, 2022

 

Clippers, Ivica Zubac agree on contract extension

Adrian Wojnarowski: Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac has agreed on a three-year, $33 million extension, his agents Jeff Schwartz and Mike Lindeman of @excelbasketball tell ESPN. The Clippers declined his $7.5M team option for 2022-2023, …

Adrian Wojnarowski: Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac has agreed on a three-year, $33 million extension, his agents Jeff Schwartz and Mike Lindeman of @excelbasketball tell ESPN. The Clippers declined his $7.5M team option for 2022-2023, clearing the way for Zubac’s new deal.
Source: Twitter @wojespn

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

StatMuse @statmuse
Ivica Zubac is in LA for 3 more years. Zubac as a Clipper:
9.2 PPG
7.7 RPG
61.8 FG% (!)
The longest tenured Clipper. pic.twitter.com/UXnRdw3QxE5:22 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Source confirms to @Theathletic that LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac is getting a raise. 3-year, $33 million. @Wojespn first.
No options, fully guaranteed, hits market 2025. Not trade eligible this offseason. Longest-tenured Clipper returns as unquestioned starting center. – 5:21 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
The Clippers and C Ivica Zubac have agreed to a three-year, $33M extension, per @Adrian Wojnarowski. pic.twitter.com/6t2hULeL9E5:14 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac has agreed on a three-year, $33 million extension, his agents Jeff Schwartz and Mike Lindeman of @excelbasketball tell ESPN. The Clippers declined his $7.5M team option for 2022-2023, clearing the way for Zubac’s new deal. – 5:08 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
List of centers whose salary fits within Denver’s $8.2 mil TPE:
Zach Collins
Ivica Zubac
Jaxson Hayes
Alex Len
Boban Marjanovic
Goga Bitadze
Day’Ron Sharpe
Willy Hernangomez
Tony Bradley (player option)
Not a great list, but if Denver uses the MLE on a wing, gotta get creative. – 12:02 PM

More on this storyline

 

The Clippers have until June 29 to exercise a $7.5 million team option on Zubac’s contract and they are widely expected to do it after the big man’s displays this last year and justified projections that he can improve further. “I want to stay and I think they want to keep me,” Zubac said. “I think I should be there and they’re going to pick it up. I like Los Angeles a lot and I like the Clippers. It’s like a family to me. Hopefully, everything is going to work out.” -via EuroHoops.net / May 26, 2022
Zubac is fresh off his most productive run in his NBA trip so far. The 25-year-old center averaged career-highs in all statistical categories with 10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 blocks over “I think I did better than the previous year,” Zubac, 25, said on his 2021-22 performances with the Clippers. “I think that I improved on some stuff. There was more opportunity for me offensively and I think I took advantage of that. We didn’t make the playoffs in the end but considering all the injuries and missing Paul George and Kawhi Leonard throughout the season, I think we did a pretty good job in the regular season. Fighting and finishing with a winning record.” -via EuroHoops.net / May 26, 2022
This summer will mark Zubac’s return to the national team and it’s an ambitious one. “I think we have a really good chance to do something in the EuroBasket this summer,” Zubac said. “We got a lot of good players and I think that this is the year that we’re all going to come together. We can get a good result. Of course [I’m committed]. I’ll be there. Hopefully, everyone else will. I think we have a good team and this is a good chance for us to finally fight for the medal.” -via EuroHoops.net / May 26, 2022

 

John Wall to Clippers after reaching buyout agreement with Rockets

Adrian Wojnarowski: John Wall is planning to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers once he clears waivers, sources tell ESPN. Source: Twitter @wojespn What’s the buzz on Twitter? Kelly Iko @ KellyIkoNBA Can confirm John Wall and the Rockets have …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
Can confirm John Wall and the Rockets have reached an agreement on a buyout. @Chris Haynes first to report. – 9:55 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
John Wall in his last full season:
23.1 PPG
4.2 RPG
10.7 APG
All Star
Things are scary in LA. pic.twitter.com/PuyobZxFFy9:53 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
I honestly have no idea what John Wall has to offer at this point, but the Clippers make sense as the team to try and find out – 9:53 PM
Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Houston trims the roster down to 18 guaranteed contracts after the John Wall buyout.
$30M below the luxury tax and plenty of options either in the trade market or free agency this offseason.
Eric Gordon is the lone player earning $10M+ – 9:52 PM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
John Wall agrees to buyout with Rockets, will become free agent houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-n… via @houstonchron – 9:52 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
The last time John Wall played an NBA game, in April 2021, he played the Clippers.
Afterword, Paul George said this of a friend he’s known since he and Wall worked out at times at the same pre-draft facility: pic.twitter.com/AdUQ3PoLEc9:49 PM

Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
Does John Wall get a tribute video when he returns to Toyota Center? – 9:47 PM
David Aldridge @davidaldridgedc
John Wall will give back $6.5 million of his $47.3 million salary for 2022-23 in his buyout with the Rockets, per league source. – 9:46 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
John Wall is planning to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers once he clears waivers, sources tell ESPN. – 9:45 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Something to note with the John Wall buyout: When players are still making a huge sum like Wall, they’re often more open to taking a minimum deal while still getting paid by their former team. It may not take the MLE for a team to land Wall. It might, but not a lock by any means. – 9:35 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Yahoo Sources: John Wall and Houston Rockets agree to secure a buyout that will allow the star guard to hit the 2022 free agency class. sports.yahoo.com/sources-john-w…9:32 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
It’s going to be entertaining to watch NBA fans who said John Wall was washed now beg for him to sign with their team as a free agent. – 9:30 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
john wall starting games at point guard for the clippers will be a blast – 9:30 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Can’t wait for John Wall to get a 4/80 deal with the Knicks. – 9:29 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
On the new @FrontOfficeShow we talked John Wall a looming buyout. @Trevor_Lane and I talked about how much Wall would likely give back to get free. You’ll have to watch/listen to hear our thoughts on the matter. Link to come when the show is live! – 9:28 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
John Wall finally gets his chance to play meaningful basketball again, can’t wait to see him back on the court. – 9:26 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
I just wanna see John Wall hoop again. Glad we’re going to get the chance to see how much he has left. – 9:24 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
If the Rockets are gonna buy John Wall out can the Lakers at least throw them a second-round pick to make the Russ swap? Like come on, if they’re not willing to make an aggressive trade, can they at least get the probably washed point guard instead of the definitely washed one? – 7:18 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal, P.J. Tucker, John Wall, Kevon Looney (and more) all feature prominently in my latest around-the-league notes column as we dribble closer to Thursday’s opening bell in free agency: marcstein.substack.com/p/my-nba-free-…2:18 PM
Kelly Iko @KellyIkoNBA
Sources: A breakup between John Wall and the Rockets is gaining momentum, with both sides expected to meet this week with Wall’s hope of a resolution — a trade or more likely a buyout — by the June 30 start of free agency.
theathletic.com/3383768/2022/0…10:35 AM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
New @lockedonbucks 🦌
-Some context to Hugo Besson’s season with the New Zealand Breakers
-Why Dante Exum would be a savvy FA signing
-Is anybody tempted by taking a look at John Wall?!
📺 https://t.co/ouyWA5H3Z7
🎙️ https://t.co/fq5or75rZX pic.twitter.com/T4tqRgq2M98:00 AM

More on this storyline

 

Adrian Wojnarowski: Other teams are calling to pursue Wall in free agency, but his intention is to join the Clippers, sources tell ESPN. -via Twitter @wojespn / June 27, 2022
Chris Haynes: Five-time NBA All-Star John Wall will secure a buyout with the Houston Rockets and become an unrestricted free agent, league sources tell @YahooSports. -via Twitter @ChrisBHaynes / June 27, 2022

 

Dejounte Murray heading to Atlanta?

Zach Klein: In talking with multiple sources around the NBA, many believe Hawks on verge of trading for San Antonio’s All-Star guard Dejounte Murray – However, it’s looking like John Collins is not part of deal. Would be Gallo & multiple 1st round …

Zach Klein: In talking with multiple sources around the NBA, many believe Hawks on verge of trading for San Antonio’s All-Star guard Dejounte Murray – However, it’s looking like John Collins is not part of deal. Would be Gallo & multiple 1st round picks. Spurs prepping for future & ’23 draft
Source: Twitter

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
One of my favorite things about Dejounte Murray maybe going to Atlanta is that pairing Trae Young with a high-usage limited shooting point guard basically forces him to start moving off of the ball. – 4:41 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
i would not trade dejounte murray. that is all. – 4:19 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
REPORT: Hawks and Spurs on the verge of exchanging Danilo Gallinari and picks for Dejounte Murray #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13…4:01 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Players to average 20+ PPG and 9+ APG this season:
— Trae Young
— Dejounte Murray
— James Harden
👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/QkLSmoh7yO3:22 PM

Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
If I’m the Nets,, I offer Simmons 4 Dejounte Murray. And do whatever must be done 2 make it work within salary cap. Why would Spurs do that? According to source, they were prepared to do that 4 Ben in Feb. Morey was lone Sixers’ dissenter. Had juice 2 decide on Harden… – 7:02 PM
Mike Finger @mikefinger
Wrote yesterday about why, even as the Spurs dream of Dejounte Murray spending an entire career in San Antonio, they can’t just hang up the phone on those asking about his trade availability. expressnews.com/sports/columni… via @expressnews – 6:48 PM
Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Jeremy Sochan, left, says he’s already received a text from Dejounte Murray. “I feel like there’s a connection…I feel like he wants to help me out.” pic.twitter.com/UuAmB3iRaE12:36 PM

Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
The full episode of ‘Please Don’t Aggregate This’ with the *cough* analytical @SethPartnow is live on @getcallin.
Conversation on Jalen Brunson, Dejounte Murray, telling draft night stories, what Indiana and Atlanta have on the trade table, and more:
callin.com/link/bNkqwKxlgH6:47 PM

More on this storyline

 

Paul Garcia: Jeremy Sochan said Dejounte Murray already texted him to welcome him to the team. The players said they’ll be connecting with the other Spurs players soon. -via Twitter @PaulGarciaNBA / June 25, 2022

 

Heat more interested in Kevin Durant than Kyrie Irving

The Heat has far more interest in acquiring Durant than Irving, according to a source close to the situation. Acquiring Irving comes with a risk because his availability has become a major issue. Source: Miami Herald What’s the buzz on Twitter? Rod …

The Heat has far more interest in acquiring Durant than Irving, according to a source close to the situation. Acquiring Irving comes with a risk because his availability has become a major issue.
Source: Miami Herald

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Rod Beard @detnewsRodBeard
Kevin Durant’s contract is … wow. pic.twitter.com/rwN0gtu0lw4:14 PM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
The NBA should call an emergency second All-Star draft for this week just so we can get Kevin Durant in front of a camera while one of his teammates is forcing his way out again. – 4:08 PM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
Also in today’s story on the Nets’ mess…
* Exploring Kevin Durant trade options that folks around the league have mentioned, starting with Phoenix, Miami and Atlanta.
At @TheAthletic, with @Alex Schiffer and @Joe Vardon
theathletic.com/3384393/2022/0…3:59 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Fully expecting a Lakers starting lineup of Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the 2022 version of Devean George – 3:49 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
NEW: How Kyrie Irving’s situation could impact the Heat, as teams around the league wait to see what happens with Irving, Kevin Durant and the Nets miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… Also, Nikola Jovic introduced in Miami as he prepares for his summer league debut in the coming days – 3:49 PM
Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
NEW from (mostly) @Anthony Chiang and me: How Kyrie Irving’s situation could impact Heat, with Durant looming. And Nikola Jovic introduced in Miami at midday: miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia…3:47 PM
Adam Spolane @AdamSpolane
If the Nets get nothing in return for Kyrie Irving they will have only around $7 million in cap space due to the large contracts of Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons, Joe Harris and Seth Curry – 3:46 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
If the Nets lost KD and Kyrie. And then won the lottery next year, only to watch the Rockets draft Victor Wembanyama with their pick….
That sequence of events might be the closest many Knicks fans get to experiencing the joy of a winning a championship in their lifetime LOL – 3:44 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Monday edition of the @DNVR_Nuggets podcast is LIVE.
✅ Avs win, Kroenke takeaways
✅ Braun, Watson, and Kamagate meet to the media
✅ Kyrie and KD on the move?
youtube.com/watch?v=rOwJ03…3:33 PM
Krishna Narsu @knarsu3
So how exactly do the Lakers plan to sign Kyrie next year to a longer term extension? LeBron is a FA but both he and Kyrie would have to take massive pay cuts to fit them all under cap space. I think in total Kyrie would be sacrificing like $100 mil over 3-4 years? – 3:26 PM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
Lakers/Nets phone call transcript
“What about Russ and top-1 protected 2027 and 2029 firsts for Kyrie?”
“No thanks, we don’t want Westbrook. We’re never gonna want Westbrook in any scenario. We’d do AD that’s it.”
(Silence.)
“What about Russ and 2 UNPROTECTED firsts in 2027?” – 3:22 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Ran some numbers on how the Lakers could handle the hard cap if they needed to sign-and-trade for Kyrie Irving.
Here’s one projection where Kyrie is traded for nothing but Russ and picks. If the Lakers still want to use their tax MLE, he’d come in at roughly his option number. pic.twitter.com/4ImLXcq1qN3:20 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
The weather in Brooklyn is appropriate to KD-Kyrie situation. – 3:14 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
It’s wild that we’ve come to the point where the Brooklyn Nets running it back next year with Kyrie and Durant is simultaneously the most likely and most surprising scenario. – 2:48 PM
Fred Katz @FredKatz
One interesting part of the Kyrie-taking-the-MLE hypothetical is his role in the NBPA. He’s part of leadership there, and pretty much any union would advise against a major player voluntarily taking 80-90% less than he could otherwise get. – 2:38 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Kyrie Irving has been a disaster without LeBron James, but they could still make magic if he gets to Lakers
cbssports.com/nba/news/kyrie…2:25 PM
Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
I wonder if 10 years from now, after Kyrie Irving’s career has concluded, he will regret costing himself a $250 million extension over the COVID-19 vaccine? – 2:21 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal, P.J. Tucker, John Wall, Kevon Looney (and more) all feature prominently in my latest around-the-league notes column as we dribble closer to Thursday’s opening bell in free agency: marcstein.substack.com/p/my-nba-free-…2:18 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Hopping on @ESPNRadio with @ColemanESPN and @BartScott57 to talk Kyrie Irving right now – 2:09 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I’ve reached the “whatever it takes” stage of the Lakers pursuit of Kyrie Irving.
I know I’ve been the sky screaming for depth and wings, but they’re just not gonna trade Russ otherwise. So picks, swaps, players (not named Bron or AD). Whatever it takes. I’m in. – 2:02 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kyrie Irving has permission to seek sign-and-trade from #Nets nypost.com/2022/06/27/kyr… via @nypostsports1:57 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Idk how the Suns aren’t the leaders in the clubhouse to get KD if he wants out. Ayton S/T (base year compensation would complicate it) makes too much sense. – 1:53 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
Could Kyrie reunite with LeBron with the Lakers? Irving reportedly has ‘great interest’ in L.A. nj.com/sports/2022/06…1:50 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Kyrie Irving passes off question when asked if he still wants to be a Net nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/27/kyr…1:48 PM
Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
There is no scenario that justifies losing Kevin Durant. – 1:45 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Kyrie wants to bail on KD after 44 games played together.
Harden bailed on KD after 1 1/2 years.
Draymond slandered KD and said they didn’t need him by year 2.
Westbrook played with KD for 8 seasons and was ride or die.
But Russ was the problem teammate. – 1:43 PM
Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
The Lakers recruitment of Kyrie is fascinating
Other teams have little interest in LAL’s trade packages – involving Westbrook, THT and Nunn – but there’s a clear play here
1) the Lakers show Kyrie they’re working on trades over the next few days
2) those trades don’t end up… – 1:34 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN story on the Lakers solo pursuit of a sign-and-trade deal for Kyrie Irving — with Irving’s situation continuing to leave the Nets vulnerable for a Kevin Durant trade request: es.pn/3QVCOBU1:15 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
If Kyrie somehow finds his way to the Lakers with Westbrook still on the roster their games should be eligible to win a Primetime Emmy. First time ever. Outstanding Drama series or Outstanding Comedy, doesn’t matter, either will do. – 1:13 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Kyrie Irving opting out of $36M to sign for $6M is a ludicrous idea…and it’s something I absolutely think he might do.
I believe Kyrie when he says it’s not about the money for him. Or I, at least, believe him more than just about anyone else playing in the NBA. – 1:07 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
We’re getting started now… I’m sure Kyrie and the Nets will be a big discussion point as well. twitter.com/i/spaces/1lPKq…1:01 PM
Jake Fischer @JakeLFischer
Sources with knowledge of the situation have increasingly believed Kyrie Irving’s willingness to opt out of Brooklyn, sign the $6M taxpayer midlevel with the Lakers, where Irving can re-sign long-term in 2023.
More on @getcallin with @BigWos at 7:30ET: callin.com/room/free-agen…12:58 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
New column: Celtics should pass if a Jaylen Brown trade for Kevin Durant comes around
bostonsportsjournal.com/2022/06/27/kar…12:50 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Kyrie: “Okay, who wants to work on a sign-and-trade!?!?!?!. Let’s get it going!!”
NBA Teams:
pic.twitter.com/QSPHDO0JI112:41 PM

Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
The Nets listening to the league office explain to them that they’re going to accept a Kyrie for Westbrook trade. pic.twitter.com/qDpi2jQA0a12:41 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
The Lakers: “Can we discuss a Kyrie Irving trade?”
The Nets: “Sure. Who are you willing to offer?”
The Lakers: “Russell West-
The Nets: pic.twitter.com/VGhOLV4uof12:38 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
What a disaster the Kyrie Irving situation turned out to be in Brooklyn. My goodness gracious. – 12:37 PM
Yaron Weitzman @YaronWeitzman
Knicks fans, if the options are Kyrie on a 4-year max or Brunson on a 4-year max, which do you prefer? – 12:34 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
According to Windhorst (via SC), the Nets would rather lose Kyrie than have a status quo situation. – 12:32 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Kyrie Irving to discuss sign-and-trade deals looking to leave Brooklyn #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13…12:28 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
A quick re-up of my assessment of how the Lakers should look at a potential partnership with Kyrie: ocregister.com/2022/06/24/kyr…12:25 PM
Bill Oram @billoram
As I wrote last week *at the old job* you certainly don’t want to be the team whose best option is Kyrie Irving, but that’s where the Lakers find themselves. theathletic.com/3379101/2022/0…12:25 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
You never really hear much about that Kyrie Irving guy any more do you? – 12:25 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN Sources: Outside of the Lakers, there are currently no known teams planning pursuit of sign-and-trades for Nets G Kyrie Irving. No sign-and-trades can be formally discussed until after 6 PM on Thursday. Brooklyn isn’t believed to have interest in available Lakers packages. – 12:22 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Nets give Kyrie Irving permission to seek sign-and-trade deals nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/27/rep…12:15 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
I think about the Cavs offering Kyrie Irving for a Jamal Murray + picks package back in 2017 pretty frequently. – 12:06 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Kevin Durant playoff win% with super star teammates:
78.6 — Steph Curry
75
70
65
60
57.3 — Russell Westbrook
46.2 — Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/6uB1gWHqok12:03 PM

Mike Mazzeo @MazzNYC
If this is the end, I’m going to miss Joe Tsai, Sean Marks and Kevin Durant defending, supporting, and kowtowing to Kyrie Irving as he selfishly sabotaged last season. This Core Four truly deserved each other – 11:58 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
The Athletic can confirm ⁦@Kristian Winfield⁩’s report that Kyrie Irving has been granted permission to seek a sign-and-trade from the Nets. Re-upping this from a week ago on why that’s easier said than done: theathletic.com/3374378/2022/0…11:56 AM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
In light of what ⁦⁦@Kristian Winfield⁩ reported… “If Irving was a player to lift all tides, if he was one whose mere presence inspired teammates to play with him and for him, he wouldn’t just have the Nets as suitors, but anyone without an All-NBA PG” sports.yahoo.com/kyrie-irving-i…11:56 AM
Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
A few things swirling…
– Case has been filed vs #Texans, per Buzbee
– Watson/NFL/NFLPA hearing is Tuesday
– The 1st 4 games of the ALCS preview were insane!!!
#Rockets – Wall separation soon
– Nets Irving seeking trade
I’m sure #TheATeam will be fired up. I’m on vacation!! – 11:54 AM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Monday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! The latest on the “Kyrie to the Lakers” rumors, plus listener questions about which veterans that could/should be retained. Melo? Dwight? *None* of them? #FirstListen @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the…11:16 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Sources: Kyrie Irving has requested and received permission from the Nets to find sign-and-trade offers from other teams. Kevin Durant still hasn’t spoken to Nets front office. Russell Westbrook to Brooklyn remains unlikely. More for @NYDNSports
nydailynews.com/sports/basketb…11:08 AM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
This week Kyrie Irving will make a decision on his $36 million player option for the 2022-23 season.
@Brian Scalabrine believes he should opt in and “prove himself”. pic.twitter.com/K4ut3jnXKb11:07 AM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Teamed up with @Sam Amick and @Joe Vardon to sift through the Kyrie Irving/Kevin Durant situation: theathletic.com/3384393/2022/0…10:04 AM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
Is Kyrie Irving trying to make his way out of Brooklyn, and is Kevin Durant next? Exploring the Nets situation that might dominate the NBA summer, at @TheAthletic, with @Alex Schiffer and @Joe Vardon
theathletic.com/3384393/2022/0…9:47 AM
Joe Vardon @joevardon
Is there anything Kyrie Irving could do to salvage his reputation among NBA fans? It starts with signing with the Lakers, on the cheap. ⁦@Sam Amick⁩, ⁦@Alex Schiffer⁩ and I break it down, ⁦@The Athletictheathletic.com/3384393/2022/0…9:08 AM
Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
Amid all of the Kyrie Irving speculation, he is 95-1 to win #NBA Most Valuable Player award in 2022-23. Bradley Beal is 110-1 and Zach LaVine is 160-1. Steph Curry is 18-1 behind seven others. Doncic, Embiid, Giannis are 1-2-3 most likely. LeBron James is 23-1. – 8:40 AM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
New BS Podcast w/ @Ryen Russillo — Washington’s Beal dilemma, KD speed round trades, can you really call it “the Brunson Sweepstakes?” and other big free agency week questions.
Listen on Spotify: https://t.co/MMI73QsDPN
Not covered: Sonny Crockett crushing in pool pic.twitter.com/gpf586sUUu12:11 AM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Two weeks ago I hadn’t even considered Kyrie to the Lakers as a possibility.
A week ago I was intrigued but dismissive, focused on more seemingly plausible offseason scenarios.
Now I’m really starting to believe it’s their only hope of contending next season. – 10:37 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
ICYMI: Lowe Post podcast: @Bobby Marks + @Jonathan Givony recap the draft + preview free agency: Nets, Kyrie, fake KD trades, Ayton, DET/ORL drafts, Sixers trade, deals that didn’t happen (but still might), more:
Spotify: spoti.fi/39QSdm9
Apple: apple.co/3A2Mkx49:56 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Draymond Green on possibility of Irving, LeBron on Lakers: “They won’t beat us” nba.nbcsports.com/2022/06/26/dra…9:00 PM
Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
Under no circumstances should the Blazers consider “the future,” if Durant is on the table. Mortgage the future in a nanosecond to pair Durant with Lillard and create a legit 3-year title window. In 2025, start creating a new future.
Blazers been chasing the future since 1977. – 7:39 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
New Dunc’d On Prime: BRK; WAS; UTA; NOP; GSW: Huge Offseason Outlook Day. @Danny Leroux
and I assess the markets for Kyrie Irving and Rudy Gobert, the free agencies of Looney and GPII, and much more. Join us: duncdon.supportingcast.fm6:11 PM
Chris Biderman @TheWarriorsWire
Warriors Wire lists the team’s top salary for each season since 1990-91, including Chris Mullin, Baron Davis, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant. warriorswire.usatoday.com/lists/who-was-…6:00 PM

More on this storyline

 

Any potential interest the Heat has in acquiring Irving, 30, will depend on what his price is on the trade market or in free agency. The belief is the Heat is not currently willing to give up its top assets to acquire Irving — a list that obviously includes Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, and also Tyler Herro. -via Miami Herald / June 27, 2022
ESPN: “[The Nets] are prepared to lose both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.” @WindhorstESPN on the state of the Nets. -via Twitter / June 27, 2022
The uncertainty surrounding Irving’s future with the Nets continues to leave the franchise vulnerable to a Kevin Durant trade request, but that has yet to materialize, sources said. Durant has four years left on his contract and remained an advocate for the Nets to commit to a long-term deal for Irving, sources said. Numerous teams around the league are preparing to pursue Durant, one of the elite players in the sport, if he becomes available. -via ESPN / June 27, 2022
Kyrie Irving needs a trade partner to coordinate an agreement on a deal to get a long-term, maximum contract, but only the Lakers have interest in executing a sign-and-trade once free agency opens on Thursday night, sources said. So far, the Nets have no interest in taking back the available Lakers packages, sources said. -via ESPN / June 27, 2022