If the Nets pass on Kyrie Irving, here are the three best Kevin Durant trade scenarios
Given the possibility of Kyrie Irving leaving, Kevin Durant’s future with the Brooklyn Nets becomes uncertain. If he wants to leave, what trade makes the most sense?
The Big 3 of James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant have virtually nothing to offer the Nets. They might not get to see what might happen to the Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons trio either, if things continue this way.
A new contract between Irving and the team is reportedly deadlocked as the deadline to exercise his player option for the upcoming season approaches. By the end of the month, he might become a free agent.
Brooklyn should be concerned because there are rumblings that Durant may ask for a trade if Irving leaves.
If necessary, the Nets will likely make an effort to keep their superstar tandem together, but where would Durant end up?
If the Nets pass on Kyrie Irving, these are the three greatest scenarios for a Kevin Durant trade.
The Houston Rockets
The Nets are in need of a pick after trading numerous first-round picks to Houston. Perhaps the simplest course of action in this situation is for the Rockets to return those picks in exchange for Durant.
After selecting Jalen Green second overall in the 2021 draft, Houston has an intriguing nucleus of young players around whom they intend to build. With the third overall pick in this year’s draft, they might select another highly anticipated prospect.
Durant is approaching 34 years old and has only a few more years left to challenge for more championships. A young team like the Rockets might not see results right away, but joining them could help them get off to a faster start and position them for success.
Given the possibility of Kyrie Irving leaving, Kevin Durant’s future with the Brooklyn Nets becomes uncertain. If he wants to leave, what trade makes the most sense?
The Big 3 of James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant have virtually nothing to offer the Nets. They might not get to see what might happen to the Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons trio either, if things continue this way.
A new contract between Irving and the team is reportedly deadlocked as the deadline to exercise his player option for the upcoming season approaches. By the end of the month, he might become a free agent.
Brooklyn should be concerned because there are rumblings that Durant may ask for a trade if Irving leaves.
If necessary, the Nets will likely make an effort to keep their superstar tandem together, but where would Durant end up?
New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
New York Knicks
The Knicks have already been linked to Irving as a possible destination and one thing we know is that Durant is loyal to Kyrie. Maybe they’re just playing for the wrong franchise in the Empire State.
New York has gone after Durant in the past and if they do indeed land Irving that’s even more reasons for KD to push for a move there. The Knicks also have draft capital available along with players like Julius Randle and Immanuel Quickley they could dangle out there.
One of the things Durant wanted to do when he left Golden State was to be The Guy in a franchise with lofty aspirations. Nothing would cement his legacy more than bringing championships back to Madison Square Garden. If he wants to really silence the doubters, this could turn into his biggest achievement.
