ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported early Monday morning that the Boston Celtics are interested in Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant.
Wojnarowski added that “The Celtics consider All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum off limits in any trade talks, but Boston is able to construct a package for Durant that could include [Jaylen] Brown and as many as three unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027 and 2029) – and two pick swaps (2024 and 2026).”
Amid the news surrounding himself, Brown tweeted out three letters worth a thousand words.
Smh
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) July 25, 2022
But Brian Windhorst of ESPN added to the report stating, “I don’t think the Nets are involved in active talks right now. … I know it came out today so it’s front of mind, but those are not fresh talks,” via Sarah Kezele of AZSports.
If what every NBA insider has reported about the Nets trading Durant, the timing doesn’t seem to be a massive factor. The Nets don’t want to rush out their superstar just because he requested a trade. Rather, they likely take as much time as they need to make sure they get the proper package for Durant.
Buckle up, because rumors and reports won’t stop swirling for a while, and there doesn’t seem to be any real clarity on what will happen yet. Woj added to his report Monday that “The Celtics appear no closer to acquiring Durant than others in discussions with the Nets, but Boston’s ability to include All-Star forward Jaylen Brown as a centerpiece in offers does help make the team formidable in its pursuit.”
The Celtics are apparently getting serious about a Kevin Durant trade
Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates his three point shot in the first quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on April 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
A bombshell report by Shams Charania at The Athletic suggests that the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets are discussing a Kevin Durant trade – for real.
According to Charania, the Celtics “recently offered a package around one-time All-Star Jaylen Brown for Durant and have emerged as a real threat” to land the two-time NBA Finals MVP. Charania even has details of the initial offers: the Celtics started with Brown, Derrick White, and a “draft pick,” then the Nets countered with Brown, Marcus Smart, multiple draft picks, and “potentially one more rotation player” (think Grant Williams or Payton Pritchard).
This comes after the Phoenix Suns ostensibly removed themselves from the sweepstakes after matching the Pacers’ offer sheet for restricted free agent big man DeAndre Ayton. Charania also reports that the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors are “in pursuit” for Durant.