Kevin Durant’s trade saga is officially over, and after weeks of drama, the former NBA MVP has decided to stay with the Brooklyn Nets. When Durant requested a trade, most expected him to get traded within a week or two. After all, he is one of the best players in the league.
But due to various reasons, the Nets never really accepted a trade offer for the Slim Reaper. To most, it seems like Durant is staying with the Nets just because he has four years left on his contract, and he has no leverage against the franchise.
If he had only a year or two left on his contract, the ball would be in his court, and he could decide his future destination with ease. Regardless, over the last few years, Durant doesn’t strike as someone who would play with a single franchise for a long period of time.
NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith believes due to KD’s tendencies of hopping from one franchise to another, he cannot be considered a true star in the NBA. Smith also praised LeBron James for always honoring his full contract even if he wanted to leave a franchise.
“In the end, you cannot be a star in this league, forcing your way out of one franchise after another. It’s bad for the game. We lament stuff about LeBron James in the past. The nerves of us all. LeBron James never dishonored a contract. He signed with Cleveland, and he honored it. He departed from Cleveland to go to Miami; he honored it. He went back to Cleveland from Miami; he honored it. He went to Los Angeles; he has honored his deal. So, we have to give credit where credit is due.”
Previously, an NBA writer for Sports Illustrated also praised James for always honoring his contracts.
James is all set to enter the 20th season of his NBA career, and it is quite surprising that he has never demanded a trade. With James signing a new extension with the Lakers, he will most likely fulfill this contract as well, and even if he decides to leave, he will simply wait for free agency.
