How This Deal Impacts Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets don’t really want to trade Kevin Durant. They are holding out hope that he will re-commit to the franchise similarly to Kyrie Irving, who sounds all-in on the 2022-23 campaign with the Nets.
As things currently stand, however, the chances of that occurring seem slim. Durant has done everything in his power to drum things up on the trade market, going as far as to offer an ultimatum to the team that it is either him or general manager Sean Marks and head coach Steve Nash that has to go.
Giving a player that kind of power would set a dangerous precedent, so it is unlikely the Nets cede to those demands. A trade seems to be inevitable and Brooklyn will look to make the most of it.
This offer from the Memphis Grizzlies would give them a lot of what they are seeking. A ton of salary relief would be heading their way with Danny Green, Steven Adams and Dillon Brooks all being unrestricted free agents. That could set the team up to be in a position to offer a max contract to a free agent in 2023, as Irving is also on an expiring contract.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Desmond Bane fits the high-upside, All-Star potential young player. Heading into Year 3, he is on the cusp of that level, averaging 18.2 points per game to go along with 4.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals in only 29.8 minutes per game. He is also an all-world defender, providing the Nets with the kind of two-way upside they are seeking.
The five first-round draft picks would also be very appealing. All of the picks coming from Memphis would be unprotected while the selection from the Golden State Warriors in 2024 has some protections on it.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
But, acquiring that much draft capital would restock the Nets after spending so many in recent seasons and make them potential buyers on the market again should another superstar look for a change of scenery.
