The Kevin Durant trade saga has been all over the NBA offseason right now. While Durant joined the Brooklyn Nets only three seasons ago, the forward has demanded a trade after a disappointing stint with the team.
Be it his team underperforming in the playoffs, players suffering injuries at the worst time possible, or teammates missing games due to off-court issues, Durant’s time in Brooklyn hasn’t been the prettiest. Although KD and Co. were regarded as the heavy favorites for the title twice in his Nets stint, the Nets only managed to make it to the second round of the playoffs at max.
Given the string of unfortunate circumstances, it makes sense from Durant’s point of view why a trade would be necessary. But from the perspective of the Nets, things are very different indeed. After paying Durant for a year where he was rehabilitating, Brooklyn had a great supporting cast around the forward to capitalize on their championship window.
Not only that, the Nets even agreed to a four-year contract extension with Durant last year, trusting that the superstar was here to stay. But here we are, just a year later, and KD wants a trade. Given how much leverage the superstar forward has, it is highly unlikely that Durant might even suit up for the team.
These situations are getting a lot more common in the NBA nowadays, and many think that the next CBA might be a game changer. Recently, Durant was having a conversation about the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement with NBA reporter Tommy Beer.
In a recent social media conversation, KD talked about how he feels that the league is in a great place, and a lockout might be the last thing people want from the CBA discussions.
any interest in debunking any other rumors while we're here?
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) August 15, 2022
Tommy Beer: So you gotta work to be remunerated? NBA owners may quote you on this during the next CBA negotiations, my guy. Also, I’d like to have a great day, but I’m stressed about my fantasy football draft tonight. (I’d call ya “big fella” – but I can’t take Patrick Ewing’s name in vain)
Kevin Durant: The NBA owners have been eating very well
Tommy Beer: this is true. I def won’t disagree. But you know those dudes are sharks and they won’t stop gorging on profits just because they’ve had their fair share and are no longer hungry. Players not playing will be a major sticking point during the next round of CBA talks, as you know.
Kevin Durant: Fans and media want a lockout but I don’t see one happening. S**t going too well, but who really knows, right?
Tommy Beer: bro… fans don’t agree on much, but I can promise you with 100% certainty that every real/true NBA fan is praying there isn’t a lockout. They just want to watch the game they love. You’re wrong about the media also. For many of us, our livelihood depends on the games being played.
Kevin Durant: And y’all have been loudest about a lockout and how much the CBA needs to change.
Tommy Beer: I’d disagree with that generalization. Any responsible journalist has a responsibility to cover/examine a potential work stoppage. That coverage should include what might lead to a lockout (players sitting out games). But that doesn’t mean “the media” agrees with the owners.
Kevin Durant: Since you wanna speak for all media
I feel u. I think the league is in a great place, I don’t believe there will be a lockout but who really knows.
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) August 16, 2022
The next meeting for the CBA will be crucial in determining the power dynamic in the NBA. While the superstars surely carry a lot of power with them right now, a role player can’t pull off a move like that of KD.
If the players end up disagreeing with the CBA, a lockout seems inevitable, and considering how some teams have suffered in the last few years, some teams might surely advocate for changes to the CBA. Do you think a lockout is inevitable?
Quotes courtesy of r/urfaselol
