Nets’ Bold Demand From Heat For Kevin Durant Trade

Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets, NBA Trade Rumors, Miami Heat, Bam Adebayo
NBA Analysis Network

There has been a lot of discussion about the trade packages that the Brooklyn Nets have been receiving for Kevin Durant following his trade request hours before the free agency moratorium began. Brooklyn is looking for a historic trade package in return, as they want blue-chip NBA All-Star caliber players and draft capital.

The proposal that they reportedly presented to the Minnesota Timberwolves sets the tone for just how much the Nets are looking for. Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards and draft picks were asked for by the Nets in exchange for Durant.

If that is the going rate, it is no wonder that teams haven’t come close to meeting the asking price. People around the league believe that he wants to play for the Phoenix Suns, who were on his list of preferred landing spots, and they are attempting to beat the package that the Suns can put together.

They reportedly haven’t even included Mikal Bridges in those negotiations, which would partly explain the underwhelming offers coming from other teams. If the Suns aren’t willing to trade their best assets, why would anyone else?

Another team to keep an eye on in the Durant sweepstakes is the Miami Heat. They were the other team on his list of preferred landing spots and are reportedly the most determined team to make a deal. Alas, they don’t have a very strong offer on the table.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND RUMORS: Miami Heat Haven’t Ruled Out Trade For This Controversial Brooklyn Nets Superstar

A package of Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and Kyle Lowry with a few draft picks is likely the best that the Heat could do. If they are going to get serious about making a deal for Durant, Bam Adebayo will need to be made available.

“And with Kevin Durant, I mean, just from my conversations with people around the situation, I just don’t see Brooklyn having any real interest in any Miami package that doesn’t bring back Bam Adebayo.”

While the Nets would love to add Adebayo to the roster, they legally cannot based on their current roster construction. You are only allowed to have two Designated Rookies on your roster and only one can be acquired via trade.

The Nets already have one in Ben Simmons, who they acquired in the James Harden blockbuster ahead of the trade deadline. So, if they are going to acquire Adebayo from the Heat, Simmons will have to be traded away as part of the deal as well.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND RUMORS: Miami Heat Haven’t Ruled Out Trade For This Controversial Brooklyn Nets Superstar

That further complicates what was already going to be a complex trade. The Nets were encouraging teams to get creative and find a third or even fourth team to include in the deal so that they can acquire the package that they are seeking.

If Ben Simmons has to be moved to complete a deal for Kevin Durant, it will add yet another hurdle for the organizations to overcome for a trade to be consummated.

Latest NBA News & Trade Rumors: Miami Heat & Brooklyn Nets

For the latest surrounding the Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, and all around the NBA, check out our news and rumors feed.

New NBA Trade Intel Revealed About Bulls’ Zach LaVine

Despite efforts to find a new team for Zach LaVine during this season, the Chicago Bulls proved unable to trade the two-time NBA All-Star guard

Magic Trade Proposal Lands Dejounte Murray From Hawks

In a speculative NBA trade scenario proposed by Bleacher Report, the Atlanta Hawks could be looking to reinvigorate their roster by trading Dejounte Murray to

Magic Coach Jamahl Mosley Signs Contract Through 2027-28

The Orlando Magic have taken a significant step towards solidifying their resurgence by extending Coach Jamahl Mosley’s contract through the 2027-28 NBA season, as announced