NEWSLETTER
All of that for nothing.
Kevin Durant blew the minds of basketball fans everywhere when he asked the Brooklyn Nets for a trade on June 30. Over the next month-plus, conversations about where he would land and how much an acquisition would cost dominated the NBA universe. But those conversations have finally come to an end.
The Brooklyn Nets announced on Tuesday that Durant met with head coach Steven Nash, owner Joe Tsai, and GM Sean Marks to end the ongoing trade discussions. The superstar is now reportedly re-committed to building a championship contender in New York.
While a return to Brooklyn always felt possible, it surely didn’t feel as if Durant was going to cave any time soon. Earlier this month, he reportedly gave ownership an ultimatum that would require them to pick between him and front office management. The Boston Celtics also recently became a potential landing spot for the two-time Finals MVP thanks to an apparent willingness to part ways with All-Star Jaylen Brown.
Having said that, Durant’s market seemed to be far quieter than expected as the offseason dragged on. While he wanted a destination where he could immediately contend, the Nets wanted arguably the greatest trade return package in NBA history. Satisfying that kind of request for any team – let alone one hoping to play competitive basketball immediately – turned out to be pretty challenging.
With four years still left on Durant’s contract, the Nets had an advantage from the moment Durant requested the trade. The leverage on their side proved great enough to give the franchise a rare win in the world of trade requests, and there is no question they now remain a potential Finals contender for years to come.
Indeed, with Durant set to stay in Brooklyn, the Nets should immediately move back up the Eastern Conference totem pole (booooooo!). The question now is whether or not All-Star running mates Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons can truly become the co-stars Durant needs.
