On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Durant had conversations with Nets owner Joe Tsai and GM Sean Marks regarding the franchise’s direction and ability to be a legitimate title contender.
Based on those discussions, Wojnarowski said the Nets intend to build around Durant and have no interest in moving him ahead of the trade deadline. It’s possible that Durant told Tsai and Marks that he would prefer to be traded, as Windhorst’s comments might suggest.
According to Windhorst, Brooklyn might have difficulty finding an impact piece to build around Durant. With Irving no longer in town, rival teams may be hesitant to help the Nets strengthen their roster.
“I’m not sure teams really want to do business with them (the Nets) right now,” said Windhorst.
“There’s at least some teams that are interested in seeing if they can get Durant. And (if I were a team), why would I help the Nets do something to build around Durant when I’m just going to hold my assets for Durant?”
Windhorst adds that teams not interested in trading with the Nets now may hold onto their assets at the trade deadline to prepare for a future Durant deal.
If other teams refuse to do business with Brooklyn, the franchise might have no choice but to trade Durant. Although it’s unlikely he will get traded before Thursday’s deadline, it would not be surprising if he requested another trade over the summer.
Durant demanded a trade in the offseason but rescinded the request before the season began. The Suns, who coveted Durant after he asked out of Brooklyn, are prepared to pursue him again if he becomes available, per Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.
Other teams will definitely inquire about the two-time NBA Finals MVP’s services. The Celtics, Raptors, and Heat were among the teams interested in Durant during the offseason.
An MCL sprain has kept Durant out of action since Jan. 8, and at this point, there’s no timeline for his return, Nets HC Jacque Vaughn told reporters. Durant averaged 29.7 points per game, shooting 55.9 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from three-point range before getting injured.
After this season, Durant has three years and $153 million remaining on his contract. Despite being 34, he still has plenty of high-level basketball left to play, and if he’s traded, the Nets could receive one of the most significant returns in NBA history.
