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Will Kevin Durant Stay With The Nets?
Kevin Durant has played for the Nets since 2019 but recently shocked a lot of basketball fans when he handed in a formal trade request. The 33-year-old former rookie of the year is one of the NBA’s best players but has yet to win a championship with the Nets. He was unlucky in his first year, missing out on a whole season due to injury. Since then, injuries and disappointments in the playoff rounds have prevented Durant from reaching another championship after he won two at the Golden State Warriors.
The reasons behind Durant’s trade request are mainly that he’s reportedly unhappy with the direction of the team. There is a chance that he’ll stay in Brooklyn, but he has made demands to owner Joe Tsai about the conditions in which he would stay.
Whether Durant stays or goes will have a major impact on the Nets and a lot of other teams in the league. It’s sure to be an exciting season for basketball fans, and you can bet on all of the NBA action at Betway. Check out the best odds and claim your bonus when you sign up to start placing your bets.
Who Could Kevin Durant Join?
Since Durant formally handed in his trade request at the end of June, there has been a lot of speculation about where he could be heading. As one of the best players of all time, it’s not a surprise that Durant is in high demand. However, the Nets are obviously keen not to have to trade him, as it would mean finding suitable replacements.
So far, teams including Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and Boston Celtics have all been interested. As a power forward and one of the league’s best attacking players, Durant offers a lot in offensive situations. The Celtics are one of the biggest teams interested in bringing Durant to their roster, and they’re looking for a big talent after losing out in the 2022 NBA Championships.
The Celtics and the Nets were in discussion over a deal to acquire Durant, but the Nets were playing hardball. They requested both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, two of the Celtic’s most exciting talents. Considering they’re 24 and 25 years old and extremely talented, it would be a major loss for the Celtics to give up both players in return for Durant.
Kevin Durant himself has spoken in interviews about how he’d like to join the Phoenix Suns, mentioning that he would enjoy playing with Chris Paul and Devin Booker. The Suns do have the capabilities to make a trade with the Nets, but it’s unclear whether it will be successful.
Durant’s Demands to the Nets
It’s entirely possible that Durant could yet stay with the Nets. However, the 33-year-old has made some demands to Nets owner Joe Tsai. In order to stay, Durant has reportedly said that he wants both the head coach and general manager of the Nets to be fired.
Head coach Steve Nash has been at the Nets since 2020, and although he’s done well, some would say he’s failed to get the most out of the team. Durant clearly feels the Nets would be better off without him, although it’s unclear whether Joe Tsai agrees.
Meanwhile, Sean Marks has been the team’s general manager for much longer, having first been appointed back in 2016. Since then, the team has reached the playoffs twice but has failed to find as much success as many fans would hope. If Durant is successful in his wishes, maybe the Nets will be better off.
