“I’m like ‘no f**king way', and then I look at the phone, I missed so much, timeline was going crazy” - 3x NBA champion says Kevin Durant shook the world with his trade request
Despite free agency kicking off, Kevin Durant is by far the biggest story in the NBA. After the dust settled on the Brooklyn Nets' stalemate with Kyrie Irving, the former MVP informed the organization he would like a change of scenery.
Kevin Durant has requested a trade out of Brooklyn, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
The news of Kevin Durant wanting out of Brooklyn turned the entire NBA landscape on its head. Not only is KD still a top player in the league, but he has four years remaining on his contract. Due to these factors, the Nets are sure to get a massive haul when a deal finally comes about.
As the Nets prepare to move one of the most valuable trade assets ever on the market, the entire roster will available to discuss in deals, sources tell ESPN. Teams have been calling on Durant, and the Nets will certainly look for a historic return on players and draft picks.
Danny Green, like most around the NBA, was stunned when he heard the news about Kevin Durant. On his podcast 'Inside The Green Room,' he gave his thoughts on the situation.
"He just requested a trade, I'm like no f***** way and then I look at the phone, I missed so much timeline was going crazy. KD wants to leave , he wants to go to Phoenix or Miami. And I'm like, this can't be real. Once bleacher report put it out, woj and shams, you know it's real. It just shook the world, he stopped everybody."
The NBA world plays the waiting game after Kevin Durant's trade request
Given that Kevin Durant is a premier talent, he will be coveted by a number of teams. While most organizations likely had a set game plan going into free agency, news of Durant's availability halted them in their tracks. Now, most of the league is trying to put together the best possible package to acquire the two-time Finals MVP.
Kevin Durant might have listed the Suns and Heat as his preferred destinations, but, in reality, any team could trade for him. Given that he's under contract long-term, he has little leverage in negotiations.
Following the initial flurry of moves that came at the start of free agency, it seems unlikely more will follow in the coming days. What happens with Kevin Durant is the main domino front offices around the league are waiting to fall.
Last season, KD averaged 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. Since he is arguably one of the best plug-and-play guys in history, a large portion of the league will be looking to acquire him. Whichever team does eventually land Durant will instantly become contenders.