Kevin Durant has rocked the NBA by demanding out of the Brooklyn Nets in a move that could completely transform the league.
ESPN reported on Friday (July 1) morning that Durant’s business manager Rich Kleiman was working with Nets general manager Sean Marks to work out the details of a trade.
Not only will any potential suitor be in for a huge bump in star power but they will also have Durant locked down on contract through to 2026.
The former NBA champion had signed a four-year contract extension with the Nets which kicks in this week - meaning that will be transferred over to his new team.
Kevin Durant leaving the Brooklyn Nets pic.twitter.com/UbubDWsJW1 https://t.co/QGQOs9Dozb
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 30, 2022
It is rumoured that the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat are high up on his preferred landing spot.
However, with the Nets not tied to honouring any sort of destination ‘wish-list’ from Durant, they’ll be looking for a historic return in assets.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted: “As the Nets prepare to move one of the most valuable trade assets ever on the market, the entire roster will available to discuss in deals, sources tell ESPN.
“Teams have been calling on Durant, and the Nets will certainly look for a historic return on players and draft picks.”
As the Nets prepare to move one of the most valuable trade assets ever on the market, the entire roster will available to discuss in deals, sources tell ESPN. Teams have been calling on Durant, and the Nets will certainly look for a historic return on players and draft picks.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022
It is believed more than half of the teams in the NBA have already inquired about acquiring the NBA all-star.
Durant’s decision to leave caps off a tumultuous week for the Nets that began looking like fellow star Kyrie Irving would be on his way out of the club.
However, in a huge U-turn in the saga, the Nets star revealed he had opted-in on his $52.5 million (US$36.5m) option to stay with the Brooklyn side for another season.
Kevin Durant waiting for Kyrie to opt in only so he can request a trade later pic.twitter.com/FOML01fm74
— Oluwajomiloju (@JomiAdeniran) June 30, 2022
The Athletic’s Shams Charania broke the news as Nets fans breathed a massive sigh of relief.
In a statement, Irving said: “Normal people keep the world going, but those who dare to be different lead us into tomorrow.
“I've made my decision to opt-in. See you in the fall. A11even."
Despite Irving now staying, it now seems inevitable that Durant will be on his way out.
It comes three years after both Durant and Irving announced they were coming to Brooklyn together as free agents.
Despite having an all-star squad over the past few years that also included James Harden at the beginning of last season, the Nets failed to capture an NBA title.
Durant averaged 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists this past season, after playing just 55 games as he recovered from an MCL injury.
Featured Image Credit: SPP Sport Press Photo. / Alamy. Sipa US / Alamy.
Topics: Basketball, NBA
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