How This Deal Impacts Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have made a few things very clear since Kevin Durant’s trade request. They are seeking a significant package in return and while he has his list of preferred landing spots, they will accept whichever offer they believe puts the franchise in the best position to succeed.
If that happens to be from the Sacramento Kings, then so be it. Durant may not be thrilled about it, but he does not have a no-trade clause and it doesn’t sound like Brooklyn is working intently alongside him and his representation to send him to a specific team.
As a result of that, the Kings can jump into the fray with a decently competitive offer. Brooklyn is getting a good mix of the things that they have been seeking. While there is no current bonafide All-Star in the mix, Keegan Murray has that kind of upside after being selected fourth overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Davion Mitchell struggled at times as a rookie but is already an elite defender, something Brooklyn could use more of out of the backcourt. He and Murray would provide the Nets with potential foundational pieces for the future.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets & Sacramento Kings Updates
Harrison Barnes and Richaun Holmes are steady veterans that would help keep the team competitive in the short term. Barnes is a solid two-way wing and Holmes provides insurance in the middle where Blake Griffin was getting playoff minutes for the Nets.
The two unprotected first-round picks are also extremely valuable. In 2026, Durant will have just wrapped up his age 37 season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets & Sacramento Kings Updates
It is anyone’s guess how impactful he will still be at that time and given the history of the Kings, they could very well be a lottery team again by that time. That is likely a risk worth taking as the Nets would start rebuilding their assets cache to have some flexibility and maneuverability with the roster in the future.
