Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant is committed to being in Brooklyn as of right now, but he’s also made it clear that he isn’t happy with the state of the roster. Many commentators and analysts are openly calling for the Nets to trade Durant and begin to rebuild ahead of an incredibly deep 2023 draft.
Following Durant’s initial trade request over the summer, it was reported that his ideal destinations were Phoenix and Miami, but the Deandre Ayton situation complicated any potential deal between the Suns and Nets. With Ayton eligible to be traded beginning January 15th, some believe that Phoenix still has the best pathway to land Durant.
Even though nothing concrete has been reported as far as Durant being traded is concerned, it’s interesting to see what others envision as possible trades. Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus gives his idea on what would be required for Durant to be traded to the Suns:
“Like the Raptors, the Phoenix Suns have their first-round picks to offer (four outright, plus three swaps). Mikal Bridges stands out as the obvious piece in a deal for Durant. His $20.1 million gets Phoenix most of the way there, but what about young center Deandre Ayton?
Since Phoenix matched the Indiana Pacers’ offer sheet this summer, Ayton can block any trade. Ayton would have to approve a deal to the Nets, and that’s not a given.
Others who could round out the salaries could include Jae Crowder, Dario Šarić and Cameron Johnson (currently out with a knee injury). If the picks are the same from Toronto or Phoenix, the question would be Anunoby or Bridges—and then the ancillary pieces, where arguably the Raptors have the edge.
How willing should any team be to unload its draft capital on Durant? He’s a win-now player but is he worth the kind of haul the Utah Jazz got for Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert? He’s the better player of the three, but he’s also the eldest.
The answer probably determines which team gets a deal done should Durant push for a trade.”
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