It’s official. Kevin Durant has asked to be traded from the Brooklyn Nets. This would-be dynasty in Brooklyn spoiled faster than warm milk on a hot summer day.
I would say that I’m shocked that KD wants out of Brooklyn, but that would be a lie. If I was KD, I would want out of Brooklyn too.
KD’s two “star” teammates, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons, are unreliable, Brooklyn had one of the worst defenses in the NBA last season, and the Nets have limited cap space to improve with Kyrie now opting-in to his last year.
Brooklyn was a sinking ship and was threatening to take KD down too. That’s why he’s now soon to be gone.
Plus, the Nets were looking at another First Round or Second Round exit in the playoffs, even with KD and Kyrie playing. Yet, we all know Kyrie wants out of Brooklyn too. In truth, KD rightfully thought of himself and beat Kyrie to getting out of Brooklyn first.
The way Kyrie, James Harden, and Ben Simmons all abandoned KD and the Nets at various points of last season was disgraceful (maybe apart from Simmons as he was injured). That team had championship-winning potential, which was wasted on selfish, nonsensical outside interests from the star players. Thus, it makes perfect sense why KD took his future into his own hands and submit his trade request now.
So, where does KD go? Obviously, he wants to be on a title-contender, but which one can afford his $44M cap hit. Well, there’s two in contention right now.
Apparently, the Phoenix Suns and the Miami Heat are the most interested parties. Though, I’m not sure if either has the cap space and the assets to take him on.
For the Suns, the obvious asset the Nets would want would be Devin Booker. A non-starter for the Suns.
I guess Phoenix could trade Deandre Ayton’s negotiating rights, 3-5 1st Round Picks, and some young prospects for KD. But how would they fit his salary under the luxury cap?
For the Heat, there is more flexibility with the assets to give up. They could trade Tyler Herro, Kyle Lowry, and/or Bam Adebayo in some sort of combination to get KD to Miami. Though, Miami would also have to give up 3-5 1sts and most likely take on Ben Simmons contract.
But if Miami can get Ben Simmons playing again, then a Jimmy Butler, KD, Ben Simmons, Kyle Lowry/Tyler Herro lineup would be deadly.
Anyway, what I do know is that KD’s trade request has just shaken the very fabric of the NBA. We’ll see where he lands, though if I had to guess, I’d probably say Pat Rielly will somehow or another pull this deal off and bring KD to South Florida.
Images Source:
