NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors join Kevin Durant sweepstakes, could offer former No. 1 pick and young superstar in exchange
Three seasons after leaving the Golden State Warriors to play alongside Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn, Kevin Durant is on the move again. This time, he’s reportedly requested a trade, with the Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns his preferred destinations.
Durant still has four years left on his contract, which makes him the hottest commodity on the market. He will immediately make the team he joins a title contender or, in the case of the Warriors, favorites to repeat.
Despite Miami and Phoenix being at the top of Durant’s wishlist, the Golden State Warriors could swoop in with an enticing offer.
Marc J. Spears on ESPN Radio offered an intriguing take on the Kevin Durant buzz:
"It’s no surprise to me that Warriors have interest in Kevin Durant, according to sources. So does more than half the league. It’s Kevin Durant. You better make the call if you’re an NBA GM. It’s Kevin Durant."
It’s no surprise to me that Warriors have interest in Kevin Durant, according to sources. So does more more than half the league. It’s KEVIN DURANT. You better make the call if you’re an NBA GM. It’s KEVIN DURANT.
To prise him out of Brooklyn, the Warriors could offer Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman. But it's likely Brooklyn will also want a few draft picks.
"If the Jazz are going to get what it amounts to five firsts [round picks] for [Rudy] Gobert, what on earth are the Nets going to be able to get for Kevin Durant?"
— Marc Stein https://t.co/t0ZU3TjGDw
If the Bay Area team want to stamp their dominance on the league like they did a few years ago, they could push for a Durant trade. Getting Durant would almost guarantee at least a couple more championships.
It’s very unlikely, however, that Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers will go this route. He's put together a solid young group to complement the core of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green and will not want to make wholesale changes.
I just asked Hall of Famer @Rick24Barry what his thoughts are on the @warriors pursuing KD and he likes the future outlook with the young players and can’t fathom bringing KD back thus breaking up the chemistry that exists now. He think the Dubs would be crazy to make that deal. twitter.com/dogsurfroadsho…
The Kevin Durant saga could drag on for weeks
Rudy Gobert's trade to Minnesota could have impacted how teams plan on acquiring Kevin Durant. Utah received a truckful of assets for the three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Minnesota sent Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler and four first-round picks to the Jazz.
If the Nets trade Kevin Durant, a superstar in his prime on a four-year deal, they reportedly want a “historic haul” in return trib.al/q9wfg7C
As such, the Brooklyn Nets will expect nothing less for Durant than what the Timberwolves gave up for Gobert.
Teams will have to be creative to get the trade done as Brooklyn will take its time and play hardball.
“Phoenix is the place he wants to go, I feel reasonably confident of that. I think Miami is second. What I'm not confident over is that Phoenix is going to be able to give Brooklyn what they want.”
- ESPN’s Brian Windhorst
(h/t @RealGM ) https://t.co/3nhxuhbpqr
One thing's clear: the KD saga is set to go on for weeks.