There’s been renewed speculation about a potential Kevin Durant trade from the Brooklyn Nets this summer.
Durant has not spoken with the Nets’ brass since their ugly exit in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs several weeks. This comes after a drama-filled season for the organization in the Big Apple.
A recent report from Shams Charania of The Athletic notes that Durant has indeed requested a trade from the Nets. General manager Sean Marks and Co. are working with his team on getting it done.
As things turn cloudy for the Nets’ organization, there’s a real chance that Durant could end up calling another NBA city home next season. If so, here’s a look at four idel Kevin Durant trade scenarios.
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Kevin Durant trade to the New Orleans Pelicans involving Zion Williamson
- Pelicans get: Kevin Durant
- Nets get: Zion Williamson, Jaxson Hayes, Larry Nance Jr., Devonte’ Graham, two future 1st-round picks
There’s been a ton of talk about a potential Williamson contract extension this summer. The Pelicans are pushing back against it for obvious reasons. First off, the generational talent has played in a total of 85 games in three seasons due to a number of injuries. Secondly, Williamson simply might not want to remain in Nola long-term.
With the Pelicans coming off a surprise playoff appearance sans Williamson, front office head David Griffin could look to pull of an epic blockbuster. Teaming KD up with Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum would make this team one of the top contenders out west. That’s not even up for debate.
From Brooklyn’s perspective, the idea of bringing in a young talent like the 21-year-old Williamson has to be seen as appealing. The team would move off its super-team philosophy and build for the future. That would also include a trade of Kyrie Irving.
- Zion Williamson stats (career): 25.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.2 APG, 60% shooting
Williamson and two future first-round picks would be a nice start. Add in what the Nets got for James Harden, and said rebuild would probably be short-lived.
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Kevin Durant trade to the Washington Wizards
- Wizards get: Kevin Durant
- Nets get: Kristaps Porzingis, Deni Avdija, Kyle Kuzma, three future 1st-round picks
KD returning home to close up shop on his career. It really would be something for the Prince George’s County, Maryland, native. He’s often spoken about growing up in the D.C. suburb and how it has shaped his life. We wouldn’t put it past the two-time NBA Finals MVP to push for this.
From an on-court perspective, Washington needs to do something to entice star guard Bradley Beal to remain in D.C. long-term. He’s an impending free agent. And while a return seems likely, adding Durant to the mix ahead of free agency would lock that in.
Speaking of returns? The Unicorn heading back to the Big Apple. Wouldn’t that be something? Sure he’s an injury-plagued enigma. He’s also as talented as they come for someone his size and could act as a building block in Brooklyn.
Outside of that, the Nets add to their draft capital with three first-round picks. Even if general manager Sean Marks and Co. don’t view Porzingis as a building block, those picks are a nice get.
Kevin Durant trade to the Miami Heat
- Heat get: Kevin Durant, Joe Harris
- Nets get: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Kyle Lowry, three 1st-round pick
It’s being reported that Miami is one of Durant’s preferred destinations. With that said, Brooklyn is going to be looking for the best potential package in return for the two-time NBA Finals MVP. Miami is not going to get him on the cheap.
In this scenario, the Nets acquire reigning NBA Sixth-Man of the Year Tyler Herro as the centerpiece. It also picks up three future unconditional first-round picks (2024, 2026 and 2028) as well as a pick swap.
In return, Pat Riley and Co. team KD up with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo to field what would be a legit championship contender in South Beach.
Kevin Durant trade to the Phoenix Suns
- Suns get: Kevin Durant
- Nets get: Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, Dario Saric, two 1st-round picks
Drum roll, please. Yes, these Suns are favored to land Durant should he move on from the Nets. It makes perfect sense. They are coming off the best regular season in the NBA and are a calendar year removed from appearing in the Finals.
Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and an aging Chris Paul would be enough for Phoenix to continue to compete for the title over the short-term. This move also enables the Suns to seriously consider re-signing stud young center Deandre Ayton in free agency, building one of the top core groups in the NBA.
Brooklyn goes young in this scenario with a rising star in Bridges and a vastly improved Johnson, both of whom are former lottery picks. The team also adds two future first-round picks and a couple contracts that could be moved for future assets. The alternative here would be a sign-and-trade involving the aforementioned Ayton with other assets heading to Brooklyn. That’s been bandied about.
This article was originally published on Sportsnaut.com and is republished here with permission.
