Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal

Word around the league is that the Nets’ starting point for Durant negotiations is a young, All-Star-caliber player and three first-round picks. This deal doesn’t quite satisfy those requirements. Could the Nets be flexible?

It depends. Whether the Nets are interested in this package depends on how they view Tyrese Maxey. If they view him as a future superstar, they may be willing to go without one first-round pick to acquire him.

If they do, they couldn’t be blamed. Maxey looked every bit the part in 2021-22. If he’s the most intriguing young player they can find in exchange for Durant, that shouldn’t come as a shock.

After all, such players don’t grow on trees. Most teams who roster young players with Maxey’s potential are so early into a rebuild that acquiring Durant wouldn’t make sense. The Sixers are an obvious exception.

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With that said, even contenders have a long-term future to worry about. Can the Sixers afford to give up such a large part of theirs?