Kevin Durant: Boston Celtics Enter Commercial Negotiations For Brooklyn Nets All-Star | NBA News
The Boston Celtics have added themselves to the list of suitors for Brooklyn Nets All-Star Kevin Durant.
ESPN reported Monday the ‘Durant Sweepstakes’ is still in the review phase with no deal imminent, but the Celtics Eastern Conference champions are the latest to be added to a crowded picture alongside Widely reported interest from the Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors.
Just before the opening of the NBA freelance agency, Durant officially requested a trade from the Nets. The 12-time All-Star is said to be very interested in a reunion with the Golden State Warriors, but it’s unclear if the NBA champions would support his return.
The Celtics may introduce a package that includes All-Star Jaylen Brown as part of the day. Brown is 25 years old and has two years left on his current $106.3 million 4-year contract.
ESPN The Boston report may also include unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027 and 2029) and consider adding first-round pick swaps with the Nets in 2024 and 2026.
All-Star Jayson Tatum, reportedly, is seen as off-limits to commercial discussions.
Durant is starting a 4-year, $194 million deal with the Nets. He is expected to earn $42.97 million for the 2022-23 season.
A two-time NBA Finals MVP and a four-time scoring champion, Durant joined Brooklyn as a free agent in 2019 alongside Kyrie Irving.
Durant averaged 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists in 55 games last season with the Nets, who traded fellow All-Star James Harden for the Philadelphia 76ers in an all-time blockbuster deal. regarding Ben Simmons.
Irving, a seven-time All-Star, opted for his $36.5 million pick, though the Nets are reportedly open to listening to commercial offers for Durant.
MVP of the 2013-14 season, averaging career 27.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 939 games with the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder (2007-16), Warriors (2016- 19) and Nets.
The Nets were wiped out by the Celtics in the first round of the 2022 knockout round.