The Boston Celtics emerged as the most serious suitors for Kevin Durant after the dust settled a little following his trade request. The Phoenix Suns and the Miami Heat were mentioned arguably more than any other teams, but the Celtics were the only team to offer a proper All-Star to the Nets in a deal for Durant.
The offer reportedly included Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and picks, but the Nets weren’t having it. According to reports, the organization was looking for Defensive Player Of the Year Marcus Smart to be included in any deal. This seems to have stalled talks between the two franchises and hasn’t done much more than seemingly frazzled Brown a little.
And now, an anonymous rival GM from the Eastern Conference has given his thoughts on the deal, proposing a wild move that would get KD to Boston.
“I’d have to get Marcus Smart back and Jaylen Brown and a number of picks. If I’m Sean Marks and against my better judgment I traded in the division, then I’m trying to strip away what I know they need to win. Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart give them all their toughness. That’s where the winning comes in for Boston. I’m not as afraid of them if you get both of them out of the building…
“KD and Tatum are talented, but I don’t know how tough they are. I know he’s a lot younger than KD, but if you’re just trying to win one title, do you trade Tatum for Durant? I’d do that before I’d give them Jaylen and Smart. Brown is valued a little less than Tatum because he’s not the skill darling. He’s a high-level athlete who has developed into a good player. But I have to think Brooklyn would prefer Tatum and you wouldn’t have to give up Smart.”
Jayson Tatum is the face of the Boston Celtics, he is the superstar that they are hoping to build the next era of the franchise around. There is no way the Celtics would consider moving on from Tatum at this point, even if it is Kevin Durant they are getting in return. Whether they can make a deal happen or not remains to be seen, but it would be wild if Tatum was included in it.
