It’s all but certain Kevin Durant will be traded this summer, but where he’ll end up is anyone’s guess. According to a new rumor by Nick Wright, the 2x MVP could end up with the Boston Celtics to play alongside young star Jayson Tatum.
“Two totally unrelated people, both of whom have reputations for knowing things that other people don’t know, have said to me, watch out for Durant in Boston. It doesn’t make sense, but that’s what I’ve heard twice.”
The Celtics have been tied to Kevin Durant before, but they’ve yet to bring him to Boston. Instead, they added pieces around their current stars (Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown) to create one of the best teams in the league.
Coming off their 18th NBA championship, the Celtics are in no rush to break up their current roster. With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the way, they’ve achieved great success with two NBA Finals runs in the past three years.
At 53-19 this season (second in the East), they are poised to make a stand to defend their championship, but the path ahead is harder than ever. With all the new challengers in the East (like the Cavaliers, Knicks, and Bucks), there will be a bitter fight in the postseason, and success is not guaranteed. Adding Durant would certainly tip the odds in their favor.
As a 2x champion, 15x All-Star, and 4x scoring leader, Durant is an effective scorer, and he raises the ceiling of every team he’s on. This season, the 36-year-old swingman is averaging 26.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game on 52.8% shooting.
After leaving the Thunder, Durant has bounced around to several teams, including the Warriors, Nets, and the Suns, in pursuit of a championship. He’s only been able to win in Golden State, but the Celtics would instantly become the favorites if they added Durant to their star-studded cast.
After playing together at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Tatum and Durant are already familiar with each other, and we know they have some great chemistry. If the Cs can tap into that dynamic, it could make them a better offensive team.
Of course, it remains to be seen if the Celtics are willing to give up what it takes to acquire the 36-year-old sharpshooter. Durant is set to make $54.7 million next season, and the Celtics will have to match his salary to pull off a trade.
Offering Jaylen Brown and a future draft pick would be the most direct package for Durant, but it would also mean splitting up the duo that just won a championship together.
Alternatively, the Celtics could offer Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White to keep their stars together and create a “big three” in Boston. This trade would make the Celtics top-heavy while depleting their overall depth.
Of course, if the Celtics go on to win the title this year (and win their second straight Larry O’Brien trophy), they may decide not to trade Durant at all and keep their current team intact.
Regardless of what happens in Boston this summer, Kevin Durant will almost surely be on the move, and wherever he ends up next could become a major player in next season’s NBA title pursuit.
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