It seemed all quiet on the Brooklyn Nets front once Kyrie Irving opted in to his contract for the 2022-23 NBA season. That was a major obstacle for Brooklyn, as Irving’s decision seemed to directly impact Kevin Durant’s standing with the team as well.
With Irving locked in for at least one more season, the Nets would be able to focus on retooling the roster around their two All-Stars. Then, the bombshell hit the organization. Despite Irving opting in, Durant requested a trade from the team.
The discussion of roster upheaval lasted about 72 hours before they picked back up again. With Durant requesting a trade, Brooklyn will have to change course. Everyone is seemingly available on the roster now as the Nets have gone from title contenders with a Big 3 of Durant, Irving and James Harden to a team blowing up the roster.
Brooklyn should still have a competitive team after all of these trades as they will get a haul for Durant. His four-year extension starts this upcoming season and is fully guaranteed, so they can ask for a premium price as whoever acquires Durant will have him for at least the next four seasons.
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Even turning 34 years old in September, that contract is a huge selling point. Brooklyn will use that to their advantage in negotiations to squeeze the most it can out of this situation.
Right now, the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat are the two teams that have been mentioned as being on Durant’s preferred landing spot list. But, half the league has reportedly contacted the Nets. Who else could have reached out? Here are three dark-horse destinations for Durant this offseason.
