The Kevin Durant saga continues to be at the forefront of everyone’s minds in the NBA world after his shocking trade request at the end of last month. KD named the Phoenix Suns and the Miami Heat as his desired destinations but by the looks of it, both teams don’t really have a package that would satisfy the Brooklyn Nets, which means there hasn’t been any progress on that front.
The Raptors, meanwhile, emerged as a potential landing spot for Durant, but the sticking point there seemed to be Scottie Barnes, as the Raptors did not want to part with their young star while the Nets refused any package without him. After a bit of a lull following the Raptors links, news broke yesterday that the Celtics had made an offer involving Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and a draft pick, which was immediately rejected.
A player of Durant’s caliber commands significantly more value than that and Zach Lowe had some big praise for KD on the back of the Celtics, being very serious about acquiring him.
via The Lowe Post (11:43 mark):
“Probably the second best player in the NBA right now, an MVP candidate. The most fittable, malleable superstar I think in the history of the sport. You never have to worry about does he fit with Tatum, does he fit with Jimmy Butler, does he fit with Rudy Gobert, does he fit with whoever. He fits everywhere. Easiest fit in the league.”
That is exactly why everybody wants him and, at the same time, why the Nets are holding out for what would be the biggest trade haul in the history of the league.
If the Celtics do manage to trade for him, then they’ll be instant title favorites unless they have to gut their entire roster in the process. Even then, they would definitely be in the mix for the title and that speaks to the greatness of Durant, who can fit in any system without a hitch. This saga is going to carry on for a while though, and all we can do is wait and watch to see where it goes.
