A player like Kevin Durant could easily push the Boston Celtics over the top as title contenders. So, it’s no surprise then that the Cs have been front and center in the chase for KD, with reports revealing them to be among the likeliest landing spots for the 2x Finals MVP.
But, in any trade for Durant, the Celtics would have to give up a haul that includes Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Robert Williams, and whoever else the Nets might want.
Boston, according to Kurt Helin, the Celtics might not be willing to give all that up.
There’s good reason for pessimism, Durant’s ultimatum to Nets owner Joe Tsai did not light a fire under trade talks. If anything, it made it far less likely a deal gets done in the short term. — why would Boston improve its offer now? It robbed the Nets of leverage. For example, Brooklyn was trying to get Boston to put Smart in the trade, but why would they even consider it now?
That said, even without Smart (or Robert Williams III, sources told NBC Sports he is not available), a Celtics offer with Jaylen Brown may be the best one the Nets will see.
Robert Williams III is obviously not close to the same level as LeBron, but his defensive prowess was huge for the Celtics last season, and it makes sense why they wouldn’t want to give that up.
In 61 games for Boston, he averaged 10 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game on 73% shooting. His best stretch of all came in the playoffs when he dominated for the club and helped them reach the NBA Finals.
Brad Sevens (the team President) will have a big decision to make over these next few weeks. It will be interesting to see how far he’s willing to go to bring Kevin Durant to Boston.
