Brooklyn Nets Receive: C Deandre Ayton, F Jae Crowder

Phoenix Suns Receive: F Kevin Durant

If you read between the lines of the preamble, you probably expected something resembling this.

Firstly, assume that Kyrie Irving bolted for another team after the Brooklyn Nets declined to offer him a long-term deal. Then, assume Durant informed the team that he wished to be traded in light of that event. This makes a lot more sense under those pretenses.

This deal puts the Nets in a whole new position. They’d effectively be rebuilding around Ben Simmons and Deandre Ayton. Admittedly, that’s a dicey proposition. Simmons generally requires floor-spacing around him to be maximized. Ayton doesn’t provide it.

Still, the Nets could justify ignoring that issue. They could just let both loose in 2022-23, and trade whichever one they prefer to down the line. Alternatively, who knows? They might work together.

LATEST NBA FREE AGENCY NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: This Nets-Suns Trade Features Kevin Durant To Phoenix

On the other hand, if that’s too risky a move for this Nets front office, the next trade might be more appealing to them.