There has been a lot of debate in recent weeks about how much is too much to trade for Kevin Durant. The Brooklyn Nets have set an astronomical asking price on Durant, which to this point, no NBA front office has been willing to meet.
While a few teams have been linked to Durant, there has not yet been traction gained in any negotiations. The asking price is likely just too high, but one team that seems to have a legitimate chance at snagging him is the Boston Celtics.
It was reported that the Celtics and Nets held talks at some point this season, but how serious they were is up for debate. Brooklyn reportedly asked for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in a proposal, which Boston declined.
The counter-offer the Celtics presented was Brown, Derrick White and picks for Durant, which the Nets declined. In addition to those players and picks, the Nets also wanted reigning Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to be involved in the deal.
While recent reports have been skeptical of a deal getting done between the two sides, some people believe a trade with the Celtics is the best deal that the Nets are going to find. One NBA executive that spoke to NBA Analysis Network believes that there should be no hesitation on Boston’s end in making a deal.
“I don’t know how we got from Kevin Durant being a Finals MVP and making the Warriors unfair to him not being worth trading Jaylen Brown for? I understand that KD is older now and had the Achilles tear, but he’s still better than what Brown ever will become. … Durant will thrive in a competent basketball environment. The Nets have been dysfunctional with a weak supporting cast. The Celtics have depth and a great culture. It’s worth taking take the risk.”
Even if the Celtics relented and included Smart in the deal, they should still have enough to challenge for a title. Malcolm Brogdon’s acquisition would help soften the blow of losing Smart in a trade and there are still some very good veterans available in free agency that could be signed to help fill the holes on the roster.
Pairing Durant with Tatum could be just what Boston needs to get over the hump after losing in the NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors this season. Brown played well, but as the executive stated, Durant is still a level above him on the court.
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