Has KD Been Ring Chasing?

Has KD Been Ring Chasing?

A look into potential trade locations

F. A. Loxton

FOLLOWING A HUGELY DRAMATIC NBA PLAYOFFS which saw the Brooklyn Nets get swept by the Boston Celtics, sports analysts are saying Kevin Durant “can’t win a ring without a super team,” after he requested a trade from Brooklyn. Furthermore, with his preferred trade destinations being number one seeds the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat, is KD just searching for another championship in the later end of his career?

Amongst all this backlash however, the Brooklyn Nets GMs have been bidding to get their money’s worth. The Minnesota Timberwolves were their first target, offering Kevin Durant in exchange for Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns and 4 first round picks. The Timberwolves willingly declined, and for good reason. But with both a player in search of a ring and a front office in search of a future, where are some of the possible locations KD could go next season?

  1. Toronto Raptors – Nets Receive: Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, 2 1st-Round Picks. Raptors Receive: Kevin Durant. Whilst it’s unlikely the Nets would accept the trade currently, they might find it’s their best offer with reigning ROTY Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam just 28 years old. The deal would secure a strong future for the franchise – and with KD already 35, it may be their best option.
  2. Memphis Grizzlies – Nets Receive: Jaren Jackson Jr, Dillon Brooks, Ziaire Williams and 2 first-round picks. Grizzlies Receive: Kevin Durant. With this trade the Grizzlies would form the deadly duo of Ja Morant and KD making them immediate contenders next season. However, good young talent may not be enough for the Nets GMs as the trade would not completely secure the franchise for future seasons.
  3. Miami Heat – Net Receive: Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and 3 first-round picks. Heat Receive: Kevin Durant. Similar to the raptors trade, KD to the Heat would allow the Nets to gain a young star in Herro and a proven top centre in Bam Adebayo. Miami was also one of Durant’s preferred locations, pairing him up with Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry – which would in turn make them favourites for the championship.

With a tough star to please, it’s no wonder the Nets GMs are asking for what seems like half a team for the 35 year old. And with key trade piece Deandre Ayton doubtful about resigning with the Suns, it’s unlikely Durant is set for a future in a big three at Phoenix. However, all will unfold; it is a key season for Kevin Durant and his legacy – some say he has something to prove.