Unhappy Nets star Kevin Durant sees Celtics as ‘desirable’ trade spot
When Kevin Durant requested a trade away from the Nets, the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat emerged as his preferred landing spots.
Both teams finished atop their respective conference last season and are considered NBA title contenders. But each team would make for complicated trade situations, which has likely removed them both from being realistic trade partners for the Nets.
Enter a third option: the Boston Celtics.
The NBA Finals runners-up from this past season have put together a compelling package, and are a “desirable landing spot” for Durant, per SNY’s Ian Begley. The Celtics reportedly offered Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and a first-round pick.
That offer doesn’t appear to have met the Nets’ high asking price for Durant. The Nets seem to want reigning Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart in any trade with Boston.
The Celtics could be an attractive spot for Durant. Former Nets assistant coach Ime Udoka is head coach in Boston and Durant’s former Team USA teammate Jayson Tatum was the Celtics’ leading scorer in 2021-22.
If Boston doesn’t work out, another option could be the Philadelphia 76ers, according to Begley. The Sixers — who came together with the Nets on the blockbuster deal of James Harden for Ben Simmons last season — could put together a package featuring Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris and/or Matisse Thybulle, among others.
A move to Philadelphia would reunite Durant with Harden after their tension-filled ending.
Durant would be likely to accept a trade to Boston of Philadelphia, though his future in Brooklyn is likely in the hands of Nets owner Joe Tsai. According to a report by The Athletic this week, the 12-time All-Star made an ultimatum, demanding that Tsai either fire general manager Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash or trade Durant.
Durant signed a four-year, $198 million contract extension in 2021, so he has limited power to force a trade unless he refuses to play. A source told The Post this week that’s an unlikely scenario.
“I don’t think he’s not going to play,” they said.