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Realistic Kevin Durant trade destinations

BASKETBALL SLEUTH MICHAEL ANGELO B. ASIS

DESPITE being seen as a true “cupcake” and ruining a franchise, more than half of the league would want Kevin Durant on their team. Imagine that the Brooklyn Nets practically let Durant and best pal Kyrie Irving run the team. They let them choose the coach, even if Steve Nash did not have any head coaching experience. The Nets traded the up and coming Jarrett Allen instead of DeAndre Jordan, a friend of both Kyrie and Kevin.

Despite all these special favors, the Nets only got 44 games of the KevinKyrie tandem. One or both of them can be sick sometimes, or prohibited to play according to the law. It’s a gamble that didn’t pay off. We must remember that Nets signed Kevin Durant when he was injured, understanding that they would need to wait a full season before Durant returned to the court.

So after three years, Nets’ owner Joe Tsai decided that he’s had enough, and finally sought a different path for the team. But talent reigns in the end, there will be offers left and right for the Nets to consider. However, there are just a handful of teams that have the assets to realistically trade for Durant.

Boston Celtics

This is where a GM or President of basketball operations earns their money. The best executives place their teams as a contender whenever a situation like this arises. They are ready to ruthlessly pounce like a cheetah at the site of a gazelle, with the assets to swiftly nab their target.

We have discussed at length how the Boston Celtics have become a model on how a franchise is built — with patience and trust in their young players. The Celtics did not make another desperate trade for a superstar, but waited until their young stars became superstars. Now they are considered a leading contender for Durant in a package that could center around Jaylen Brown. They can add Marcus Smart or the up and coming Grant Williams or “Timelord” Robert Williams. They also control enough draft picks to entice the Nets without totally mortgaging their future.

Why it can happen: The bad blood between the Brooklyn Nets and the Boston Celtics was primarily associated with Danny Ainge, and now that he’s out, the Nets can grant them an audience. After all, the most successful businessmen will not place their pride above profit. If the Celtics present the best offer, the Nets should, and would take it.

Memphis Grizzlies

A team who made the most of their high draft picks, the Grizzlies had an extended rotation with players who can replenish the talent level of the teammates they replace. Almost any Grizzlies roster on the floor is a talented one — they can all shoot and defend, the two most important skills in today’s NBA.

Just like the Boston Celtics, the de facto best player is left untouched. For the Celtics, the divide between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown has narrowed, specifically in the Finals. For the Grizzlies, it’s definitely Ja Morant. There could be some complications since Jaren Jackson Jr. is injured, and he would likely be the centerpiece. Dillon Brooks, Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke are all fearless players on bargain contracts. Any team would want them, especially one that needs to rebuild.

Special mentions and awkward situations

Two teams that have the assets to pursue Kevin Durant but would not because of past relations are the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder have the biggest war chest of draft picks ever assembled, and Shai GilgeousAlexander is a worthy centerpiece, possibly with No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren.

The defending champs are losing key players due to free agency — and that’s what the salary cap is supposed to do: break down superteams. They still have James Wiseman, and Jordan Poole is now a coveted asset. But it would be shocking if they even bother.

The New Orleans Pelicans, now that they have offered Zion Williamson the keys to the franchise, can package around Brandon Ingram, who is now a bonafide All-Star. They also have picks from the Lakers due to the Anthony Davis trade.

Sports

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2022-07-04T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-07-04T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://digitaledition.manilatimes.net/article/282033330893829

The Manila Times