“They trade for Kevin Durant, he’s not the best player anymore” - NBA analyst believes playing alongside Kevin Durant would be major change for 3x All-Star and could impact his growth
Trade rumors involving Kevin Durant have been doing the rounds ever since the forward demanded to leave the Brooklyn Nets.
The Boston Celtics have been heavily linked with a move for Durant. However, NBA analyst Jalen Rose believes they should not pursue a move as their star player Jayson Tatum will be greatly affected.
On "Jalen & Jacoby," the topic of Durant potentially moving to the Celtics was discussed. Rose stated that while Boston would move a step closer to winning the championship by signing Durant, Tatum would not be the best player on the team anymore and that could impact his growth.
Jayson Tatum on rumors of #Celtics interest on Kevin Durant #Nets
He like the Celtics as they are https://t.co/6VnGZNh98d
"Here's the overarching thing for Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics. Here's the dichotomy. If they keep the team the way it is, if they keep the team as constructed, he's the best player. They trade for Kevin Durant, he's not the best player anymore. That's a major dynamic for a player like him who's an ascending superstar talent."
As such, he does not feel the deal will materialize.
"When Ime Udoka is in the huddle right now, and there's a big play late in the game, they're gonna drop the play for Jayson Tatum. You add Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum becomes the second option. Of course, everybody wants to win, but I don't necessarily see this deal happening."
Jalen Rose believes the Brooklyn Nets should ask for Jayson Tatum to be included in Kevin Durant deal
It was reported that the Celtics offered Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and a first-round pick for KD but the Nets rejected it. The Nets asked Boston to increase the draft capital and replace White with Marcus Smart, but Rose does not think that will be enough to get a deal done.
"The Nets aren't gonna move Kevin Durant until their price is met.. this process could take a while" ~@ShamsCharania
#PMSLive https://t.co/AJOL6Wq5pY
He stated that he would demand Tatum be included in the deal if he was in the Nets' front office.
"I'll tell you what, if I'm the Nets and we're talking about KD and the trade with the Celtics, you gotta be talking to me about Jayson Tatum in return."