KEY POINTS
- The Brooklyn Nets are willing to wait it out for a massive trade involving Kevin Durant
- Durant has forced free agency to an almost-complete standstill
- The Nets can afford to play the long game since they will be most affected by the move
Kevin Durant shocked the NBA landscape when he revealed that he wanted a trade out of the Brooklyn Nets, but it may take some time before it comes to completion.
Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported through their sources that the Nets are wanting a massive haul for Durant which could stall talks for a while.
“League personnel who spoke to The Post said Nets general manager Sean Marks — and by default team owner Joe Tsai as well — are adamant about getting back All-Star caliber talent in return for Durant,” he wrote.
“And with their disgruntled star having four years left on his contract, the Nets are in no rush to deal.”
It is an understandable sentiment coming from the Nets’ front office since Durant has suddenly become the most coveted asset in the offseason.
Durant went to the Nets via a sign-and-trade deal worth $194 million to facilitate his move from the Golden State Warriors to Brooklyn.
The Nets’ past two seasons have been mired with disappointment as they were a few inches away from the NBA Finals in the 2021 playoffs and were swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round of this year’s edition of the playoffs.
With James Harden being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers and the uncertainty surrounding Ben Simmons, Durant wanting out of the situation makes a ton of sense for his chances at nabbing a third NBA title.
The chase for Durant also has somewhat impacted the free-agent market this offseason as well.
Similar to his 2016 free agency stint, both parties are taking their time to get deals done as they await which team lands the services of possibly the most versatile scoring forward in NBA history.
Only veteran players Goran Dragic and Serge Ibaka have signed new deals since the Durant bonanza.
The Nets have every right to wait for the best package to come to their table since they will be the ones most affected by the Durant move.
The question on everyone’s mind is until when the wait will last.
Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets dunks the ball during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 24, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images
