THE SUMMER TIME SAGA

Nicholas D'Agostino

It's been weeks since the NBA free agency period kicked off and yet the Kevin Durant Saga lives on. Just a couple of days before the opening of NBA free agency, a report indicated that Kevin Durant had asked for a trade out of Brooklyn. Instant pandemonium swirled throughout the NBA and social media.

It’s not everyday that a player of Durant’s caliber is available through trade which would explain why the reaction from others was chaotic. The 12 time All-Star and 2 time NBA champion will be looking for a new home this upcoming season.

When these reports first came out, it was speculated that Durant wanted to go to either Phoenix or Miami. While Durant has a preference on where he would like to end up, Nets GM Sean Marks doesn’t have to do him any favors. As soon as these reports came out practically every GM in the league called about Durant. There is no doubt that there is immense interest from multiple teams all around the NBA.

While Durant wants to go to either Phoenix or Miami, they might not necessarily have the best assets and therefore might not be able to give the Nets the best possible package out there. Early reports show that the Raptors, Suns, Heat and Celtics all seem to be in the running for Durant.

Recently, it has been confirmed that the Nets turned down a trade proposal from the Celtics for KD. The trade package was centred around All-Star guard Jaylen Brown. While this package seemed to be in the ballpark for Brooklyn, they wanted more pieces; including Marcus Smart and a few picks.

Sean Marks will be trying to get the best possible package that he can as KD is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in NBA history. KD is also in the conversation for best scorer of all time. If the Nets were to deal KD, they would need to get a boatload of value in return.

Some other teams like the Raptors, Suns and Heat could put together packages that centre around All-Star calibre players which may entice Brooklyn, but I don’t know if they would necessarily have the best possible package in the league. If someone trades for Durant they would most definitely be mortgaging their future for the present.

The reason I said “if someone trades for Durant '' in the section above is because there is no guarantee that Durant will have his wish granted and be moved. Like I said before the Nets will be focusing on what’s best for them even if that means holding on and trading Durant some other time.

While Durant may not get moved this offseason I am sure that at some point he will be traded when the Nets feel the time is right. Funny enough, If the Nets don’t trade KD and keep Kyrie as well they would be instant contenders again in this upcoming year.