"This is the trade that works for everyone and I'm glad finally there's someone other than me shouting about it" - Nick Wright asserts a Kevin Durant-New Orleans Pelicans union is the best-case scenario
New developments have emerged in the Kevin Durant saga, with the New Orleans Pelicans listed as a potential trade destination for the star forward.
The Brooklyn Nets forward has been in the media spotlight throughout the offseason and has been linked with a number of teams.
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/…
Reports have suggested that the superstar views the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers as "desired landing spots". However, analyst Nick Wright highlighted a different possibility on First Things First.
Referencing an article published by the The Times-Picayune that suggested that the New Orleans Pelicans were interested in a trade for Durant, Wright said he had proposed such a deal a month ago.
"The author of the article suggests a compelling package around Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, Devonte' Graham, and the remaining draft compensation from the Lakers and the Bucks. Does that sound mighty familiar to this beautiful piece of trade machine brilliance proposed by me a month ago?"
"This is the trade, America. It allows the Nets to rebuild, and it allows the Pelicans to win right now. This is the trade that works for everyone. & I'm glad some other than me shouting about it. It works basketball-wise. It works in every way. This is the trade that should happen."
Report: Pelicans remain interested in a deal for Kevin Durant
"This is the trade, America. It allows the Nets to rebuild, and it allows the Pelicans to win right now. This is the trade that works for everyone. & I'm glad some other than me shouting about it." — @getnickwright https://t.co/InrQRGDEty
Will Kevin Durant be a good fit for the New Orleans Pelicans?
With the Nets receiving solid compensation in the proposed trade, they will have an extremely competent young unit to experiment with. Meanwhile, adding Durant would give the New Orleans Pelicans an instant boost.
In that regard, the trade makes sense. The Nets will have the pieces to re-organize and build for the future. The Pelicans will become title contenders right away.
Although Durant would be an upgrade on Brandon Ingram, it seems unlikely that the superstar would want to play in a small market at this stage in his career. Although he doesn't have the leverage to facilitate a move to one of his preferred destinations, his desire to play for a contending team is very clear.
The New Orleans Pelicans are on the verge of breaking through as one of the best young teams in the league. Served by one of the best young cores in the game, the Pelicans will not benefit from shaking things up at the moment.
CJ McCollum & Brandon Ingram combined for 60 points to lead the @PelicansNBA to the win over the streaking @Suns!
@CJMcCollum: 32 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
@B_Ingram13: 28 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST https://t.co/p45Uu3i7Xf
Kevin Durant continues to garner interest from the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors. Although he reportedly prefers Philadelphia, the team may not have the capital to make a trade work.
Kevin Durant reportedly views the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics as ‘desired landing spots,’ per @IanBegley https://t.co/IhkmNsJb47