NBA Rumors Roundup: Kevin Durant's trade to Golden State Warriors seems "highly unlikely", Philadelphia and Dallas interested in Brooklyn guard, and more | July 4, 2022
Over the last few hours, Brooklyn Nets stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have featured heavily in rumors about potential trades. Durant recently requested a trade out of Brooklyn, while Irving, who opted into his contract, is expected to follow him out the door.
Toronto and Utah have also popped up in trade rumors. However, with the Toronto Raptors holding onto their star rookie and the Utah Jazz holding onto their sole superstar, further developments seem unlikely.
On that note, let's dive right into the rumors of the day.
Kevin Durant's move to the Bay Area seems "highly unlikely"
Having requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant has become the most highly sought after player in the league.
The 33-year has stated that the Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns are his preferred destinations. However, his former team, the Golden State Warriors, are also reportedly interested in making a move for the superstar.
But the trade seems "highly unlikely" as per the Athletic's Marcus Thompson II. Thompson II mentioned that the Warriors haven't pushed the front office to pursue Durant.
Kevin Durant Trade To Warriors 'Highly Unlikely' basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/267789…
Philadelphia and Dallas show keen interest in Kyrie Irving
With Kevin Durant on the way out, the Brooklyn Nets are likely to entertain offers for superstar guard Kyrie Irving as well. While the LA Lakers are favorites to land the guard, the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks are also in the running.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Irving could be moved in the next couple of weeks.
What will follow for the Nets after they trade Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving?
@Russ_Dorsey1 & @ShamsCharania discuss on @TheRally. 🏀 https://t.co/lyFhJ85VnP
"Kyrie Irving is one guy who I think we gotta pay attention to. He has several suitors involved when you talk about Lakers, Sixers, Mavericks. I would keep an eye on Kyrie Irving over the next couple of weeks as a guy that is likely going to potentially get moved"
Considering Dallas' shortage of point guards, they are a more plausible destination than Philadelphia.
Toronto Raptors unwilling to part with star rookie in a trade for former MVP
The Toronto Raptors have also emerged as a potential landing spot for Kevin Durant. While several teams have inquired about a trade for the superstar, not all of them can take the salary hit his contract requires.
The Raptors would have to create a huge trade package to be able to afford Durant. Although OG Anunoby could be included in such a package, Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes is off the table, as per Sportsnet's Michael Grange,
"That the Raptors haven’t (proposed a trade package) already tells you one thing: the Raptors have remained fixed on keeping rookie of the year Scottie Barnes out of any package they are offering." (via) Sportsnet
Utah Jazz refuse to entertain offers for 3x All-Star
Considering Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert's deteriorating relationship, the Utah Jazz knew they had to act fast. They eventually traded Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Jazz front-office has committed to building around Mitchell, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
"Danny Ainge and Justin Zanik, and Utah's front-office, they want to continue to build around Donovan Mitchell."
"They've certainly got some good veterans left, they've got six-draft picks, first-round picks, that they've gathered up in the last twenty four hours that they can use in other deals and trades and try to reshape this roster around them."
"They have shut down any team who's called about trying to trade for Donovan Mitchell. The Jazz are committed to moving forward with him as their cornerstone player."
@wojespn on the Utah Jazz's plans with Donovan Mitchell
https://t.co/OqPPan8bYy
Dallas Mavericks expected to retain Frank Ntilikina
After a spectacular run to the playoffs last season, the Dallas Mavericks have made some significant changes to their roster. While the addition of Christian Wood was a huge boost, the team took a big hit as they parted with Jalen Brunson.
According to Marc Stein, Dallas Mavericks intend to retain Frank Ntilikina.
The Dallas Mavericks intend to keep Frank Ntilikina when his $2 million contract for the 2022-2023 season becomes guaranteed tomorrow, per @TheSteinLine. https://t.co/R1TgSsycEt
Ntilikina, who was added to the roster last campaign, will likely see more playing time this coming season. Ntilikina, who averaged a shade over 4 points per game last season, will provide some depth at the point guard position.