"Find you a friend, that is as loyal as KD" - Jalen Rose believes Kevin Durant is one of most loyal people around in NBA
This offseason, Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant has been the biggest topic of conversation. Following a first-round exit in the postseason, the two-time Finals MVP informed the organization that he wishes to be traded.
As one of the game's top talents, this news instantly shook the NBA landscape. On top of this, Durant is under contract for the next four seasons. Whichever team can pull off this mega-deal will have his services long-term.
Sources: Kevin Durant informed Joe Tsai that he does not have faith in the Nets‘ direction. The meeting was described as transparent and professional, with a clear message: Keep me -- or the GM and coach. theathletic.com/3485297/2022/0… twitter.com/ShamsCharania/…
While many have held negative feelings towards Durant for some of his decisions, one former player praised the All-Star forward.
During the most recent installment of "Jalen & Jacoby," Jalen Rose stated that KD is a loyal friend for how he's handeled things regarding James Harden and Kyrie Irving.
"Find you a friend that's loyal as KD cause let me tell you something, the way James Harden quit on the Nets, we have to have some real conversations.
"You know what I'm saying? We ended up trading Harden for Ben Simmons. We traded you for Ben Simmons and he had surgery and didn't play.
"They didn't pay Kyrie. You don't think they've had some conversations? Find you a friend, that is as loyal as KD. I appreciate whatever friendship they had before they played together."
Is Jalen Rose right about Kevin Durant being a loyal friend?
Jalen Rose might feel adamant about KD being a loyal friend, but a strong case can be made otherwise. For starters, how things have unfolded in Brooklyn does not match up with how Rose feels.
Durant and Kyrie Irving both signed with the Nets together because they wanted to play together. Now that things haven't gone as planned, KD is looking to explore other avenues.
If here were that loyal, he would be fully committed to working the situation out between his close friend and the organization.
There is "a lot of pessimism" on a Kevin Durant deal getting done in the near future▪️ There is "a lot of pessimism" on a Kevin Durant deal getting done in the near future
▪️ Kyrie Irving is "in a good place and comfortable" with the Nets right now
@IanBegley with the latest notes in Brooklyn: on.sny.tv/9D27KRF https://t.co/eUgyqJOBdn
Another wrinkle in this whole thing is the timing. Initially, it appeared Irving would be the only one out the door after his contract negotiations did not go as planned. After finally locking himself in for next season, KD decided he wanted out as well. It was a rather interesting turn of events for the duo, who were fully committed to joining forces.
The Harden saga shouldn't be held against Durant because it's clear he had nothing to do with the former MVP wanting out of Brooklyn.