The Brooklyn Nets are trying to make the most of the Kevin Durant trade request. They are hoping to land a historic package in return for the NBA superstar, but teams haven’t been willing to part with that kind of package, at least not yet.

The Nets have sent out some proposals, which have set the tone for what they are looking for. From the Minnesota Timberwolves, they asked for Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns with draft picks. From the Boston Celtics, the Nets asked for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

While both of those proposals were declined, the Celtics and Nets did talk a little more beyond that. Boston countered with an offer of Brown, Derrick White, and picks in exchange for Durant. Brooklyn declined that, and it was unknown how far long discussions actually got. The Nets also asked for Marcus Smart to be included in the deal.

While it has been a debate about how far along those talks got, it sounds as if the Celtics are the frontrunners right now. As Sam Amick of The Athletic shared, Brown’s inclusion in trade talks has provided a baseline of what Brooklyn can require other teams to offer in exchange for Durant.

“Among the executives with whom I spoke, a Boston deal with Jaylen Brown as the centerpiece appears to be the unofficial front-runner here. In general terms, sources say the Nets are using the fact that the Celtics (and perhaps other teams) have made their second-best player available as a baseline of sorts in negotiations. Translation: If you’re still trying to discuss a Durant deal without putting your second-best talent on the table, then just stop wasting everyone’s time and bow out of this race.”

Based on the other teams that have been mentioned as landing spots for Durant, Brown is the best player made available. If the Toronto Raptors put Scottie Barnes Jr. on the table, they would have a chance to leapfrog them.

The Miami Heat don’t have a strong second player to offer unless Bam Adebayo is made available. The Phoenix Suns aren’t going to compete with Brown either unless they make Devin Booker available, which has about a zero percent chance of happening. If the New Orleans Pelicans are willing to build a trade package around Brandon Ingram, they would be able to make a serious run at Durant.

These negotiations could continue for weeks, but at least there seems to be some clarity finally coming from it. Brooklyn has to make the most of this deal as trading Durant will impact the franchise for years to come.

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