The Brooklyn Nets have begun the arduous task of fielding trade offers for NBA superstar Kevin Durant. Durant surprised a lot of people when it was revealed that he requested a trade from the Nets, essentially putting an end to a very forgetful three seasons for the franchise.
There was a lot of optimism when Durant decided to team up with Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn in 2019. They would eventually be joined by James Harden, but the results were not there as the team won one playoff series throughout their tenure.
Now they will have to make the most of their current situation. The only real positive is that they will be able to get a haul for Durant. He signed an extension last offseason that keeps him under contract through 2026. The unique part about the deal is that it is a fully guaranteed, four-year deal with no options or opt-outs.
Seeing how frequently players are looking to change teams, it is a big deal to some organizations knowing there is some security when it comes to having him under contract. Now, it is time for Sean Marks to capitalize.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant Trade Wish-List: Phoenix Suns No. 1, Miami Heat No. 2
The asking price for Durant is going to be high and understandably so. Durant remains one of the very best players in the league and is still an elite offensive talent. Even as he is set to turn 34 years old in September, he is showing no signs of slowing down.
One of the teams that are on his preferred list of teams is the Phoenix Suns. Deandre Ayton sign-and-trade scenarios have been tossed around, along with players such as Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson. However, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Nets would be aiming much higher.
“From Brooklyn’s perspective, sources said, there’s no deal to land Durant in Phoenix that doesn’t start with sending back Devin Booker to Barclays Center. The Suns, of course, would likely hold the line firm. But early indications are the Nets brass is not particularly inclined to take a sign-and-trade that brings back restricted free agent Deandre Ayton.”
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant Trade Wish-List: Phoenix Suns No. 1, Miami Heat No. 2
If you don’t ask, how would you know if Devin Booker is really off the table or not? It should come as no surprise that the Nets first asking price is sky high, as they need to start somewhere. They are in no rush to get a deal done, as free agency isn’t even 24 hours old yet.
Brooklyn will canvas the league for the best offer and make their decision based solely on that. While Durant would prefer the Suns or Miami Heat, the Nets are under no obligation to accept an offer from either of those teams. If someone meets their lofty asking price, they will accept that deal as they are in the business of doing what is best for the franchise, not Durant.
