There have been a lot of discussions the last few weeks about what the Brooklyn Nets should do with NBA superstar Kevin Durant. He requested a trade almost two months ago, but things have developed slowly on that front as no team has come close to the Nets’ asking price.
Looking to spark things, Durant issued an ultimatum during a meeting with team personnel last week. Either general manager Sean Marks and head coach Steve Nash are fired, or he is gone. That kind of move would change the landscape of the league giving a player that much power so it is hard to imagine Marks and Nash will be shown the door anytime soon.
A trade involving Durant is the likelier outcome, but there is still plenty of work to get done on that front. Brooklyn is looking for a historic package and can you blame them? Durant remains one of the best players in the league and his contract is fully guaranteed for the next four seasons.
That is worth something and the Nets know it, so they want to maximize the return as it will impact the franchise for years to come. They have reportedly made some outrageous proposals, asking the Minnesota Timberwolves for Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns and the Boston Celtics for Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Both were declined as the Nets need to be more realistic about who they can obtain. Brown is an attainable target, but the Celtics aren’t the only Atlantic Division team that could make a move for Durant.
The Philadelphia 76ers have also shown some interest in acquiring the former MVP. One NBA executive believes that is an avenue the Nets should explore, especially if Tyrese Maxey is involved in the deal.
“If you’re the Nets and you can’t get a guy like Scottie Barnes or a crazy haul of draft picks, why not push for Tyrese Maxey? He’s shown to thrive playing next to other stars and can step up and shoulder more when he’s the main guy. It seems he’s got plenty of room for improvement before he’s at his ceiling. … He was really efficient last season and showed he’s able to do just about everything you’d want. He’s got a crazy burst and his shooting has only gotten better. Give him a ton of touches and see what he can become. He’ll probably surprise you.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Maxey broke out in his sophomore season, averaging 17.5 points, 4.3 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game. His efficiency was excellent as well with a shooting split of .485/.427/.866. He averaged only 13.3 shots per game as well, so if he was provided a bigger role with a team and kept his efficiency near the same level, Maxey could easily push his scoring average into the 20s.
He took to the point guard position well last season despite never doing it previously. Turning only 22 years old later this year, Tyrese Maxey is just scratching the surface of his potential. If his development continues on the same path, he could be knocking on the door of All-Star appearances sooner than later.
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