A few days ago, the Brooklyn Nets secured the core of their superstar lineup when Kyrie Irving opted into his player option for next season. However, it appears that he will be the only one of Brooklyn’s Big 3 left standing as megastar Kevin Durant has reportedly asked the team for a trade.
Shams Charania was the first to report the news.
Kevin Durant has requested a trade out of Brooklyn, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Nets are pulling out all the stops as part of the trade, which will, effectively, force them into rebuilding their entire roster.
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
“As the Nets prepare to move one of the most valuable trade assets ever on the market, the entire roster will [be] available to discuss in deals, sources tell ESPN,” wrote Woj. “Teams have been calling on Durant, and the Nets will certainly look for a historic return on players and draft picks.”
As far as some potential trade partners go, Woj says that the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat are at the top of Durant’s wish list. However, the ball is in Brooklyn’s court to get the best deal they can, which is sure to be substantial.
Phoenix and Miami are among two of the teams that Kevin Durant has on his wish list, sources tell ESPN, but the Nets plan to move Durant where they can get the best possible deal. With four years on his contract, there's no shortage of teams willing to unload assets for Durant.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2022
“Phoenix and Miami are among two of the teams that Kevin Durant has on his wish list, sources tell ESPN, but the Nets plan to move Durant where they can get the best possible deal,” wrote Woj. “With four years on his contract, there’s no shortage of teams willing to unload assets for Durant.”
Wherever Durant ends up, it’s going to be a massive shift around the NBA. Not only will whoever he plays for be a contender or an even larger one, but the Nets are sure to get some huge pieces in return for him. To say nothing of how this affects Kyrie, who could now be on the move as well.
When we posed the question of which teams were most likely to trade for Durant if he was available, it was Phoenix, New Orleans, Memphis, Miami, and Toronto atop the list.
As for Ben Simmons, well, apparently the Nets are his team now.
While we see how this dust settles and the rumors start flying, the reactions to the news around the NBA world were pretty wild.
— Freezing Cold Takes (@OldTakesExposed) June 30, 2022
NBA teams looking at their roster for KD and Kyrie trades pic.twitter.com/poTAfcIpdd
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) June 30, 2022
hi hello @BrooklynNets can i interest you in danilo gallinari thank you please let me know https://t.co/QpvC7acOq9
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) June 30, 2022
Wow, Durant entering the Transfer Portal too?? https://t.co/lQoPrcYdM0
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) June 30, 2022
A.D. for K.D..
Makes perfect sense to me. What about you? https://t.co/BwkEGFZ6BD
— Steve Mason (@VeniceMase) June 30, 2022
Kyrie said he wanted to fulfill his commitment to the Nets and Kevin Durant and KD said I'm good luv, enjoy https://t.co/CSAr3svMet
— Hanif Abdurraqib (@NifMuhammad) June 30, 2022
best part is no one knows where KD is going, I got my popcorn ready!! https://t.co/iDx3zE4dJj
— Nick (@NickRTFM) June 30, 2022
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
kevin durant stomping all over the usc to the big ten news like vince young running through the secondary in the rose bowl
— Brian Floyd (@BrianMFloyd) June 30, 2022
[Shams]
