"I mean these guys getting paid big money... You know we gonna let it go, forgive him and move on" - Former NBA coach reacts to news of Kevin Durant staying with Brooklyn Nets
Former NBA coach George Karl believes that Kevin Durant could have handled talks about his Brooklyn Nets future in a much better manner. The Hall of Famer stated that players asking for a trade one year into a max contract would make any ownership unhappy.
After almost two months of uncertainty, the Brooklyn Nets and Durant finally came to an agreement about the player's future with the team. The four-year, $198 million extension he signed last offseason kicks in this season.
This will certainly give them a boost as he is one of the best players in the league. With him, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons, the Nets will be a tough side to beat.
Speaking about KD's trade situation on Sirius XM NBA Radio, George Karl said:
"I don't know where the league is going right now with players signing five-year contracts and want out after a year. That's not making any ownership happy, I mean these guys getting paid big money.
"I know there is a game of influence, there is a game of power that goes on with great players and Kevin Durant is a great player. But I wish he would have handled it better, but you know I think we will live through it. I think that once we see Kevin Durant putting up 45 in a game, you know we gonna let it go, forgive him and move on."
Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets decided to “move forward with their partnership”.
2022 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee @GeorgeKarl22 shares his thoughts with @TermineRadio & @JumpShot8. https://t.co/0t0inEu7yT
Kevin Durant has removed his trade request after meeting with Joe Tsai, Sean Marks and Steve Nash yesterday.
The Nets are running it back. https://t.co/tqCmZt5Eju
This right here is when you really celebrate efficiency. He was 70% on all skill. 49/17/10 hits different when it’s on pure skill and #MainlyJumpers 🔥 This right here is when you really celebrate efficiency. He was 70% on all skill.
One of the greatest performances of all-time. Thank you, Kevin Durant! https://t.co/quMJODdFeL
How far can the Brooklyn Nets go with Kevin Durant on the team?
Kevin Durant has been stellar in his stint with the Brooklyn Nets. Although he hasn't delivered a championship, the Slim Reaper has put up some memorable performances.
Going into the 2022-23 season, a lot of attention will be on KD and the Nets. The team is stacked from top to bottom and will be looking to make a deep postseason run.
Their main concern last season was defense. But with Ben Simmons returning from injury, they can expect improvement on that end of the floor.
They say he’s a created player, but Kevin Durant is the player you could never even make in a video game.
You’d make your guy taller, but he’d loose speed/mobility/skill. Then you’d have to make him 6’5 just to get that handle and quickness and shot.
https://t.co/NwPSQCaA0U
The Nets also have a dependable support cast. Seth Curry, Patty Mills and Cam Thomas are all capable of scoring. They also added Royce O'Neale and TJ Warren to bolster their roster.
Kevin Durant is 6’10 and has a 7’5 wingspan...he should not be able to do this.
Not one player in NBA history has his size COMBINED with his skill set.
Most skilled scorer of all time. https://t.co/2g4niaxQvq
However, for a team to be successful, they need to have chemistry and that's where the biggest question mark over the Nets lies. If the whole team is not locked in, they could very well end up having yet another disappointing season.