Kevin Durant told Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai to choose between him and his coaching staff, and GM. If that's not a bold, desperate move to get out of the team, then I don't know what is.
The Nets have turned down multiple offers for K.D. as they hoped to make amends with him, which seems impossible right now. But he still has four years left on his contract, so the Nets may not be rushed to get a deal done.
Durant Could Hold Out
However, as much as Durant likes to hoop and work on his game, Kristian Winfield of NY Daily News reported that he may not show up to training camp if he's not traded:
"That has been the prevailing belief — that Durant, a 12-time All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP, is above the idea of holding out of camp because he is a master of his craft and a lover of the game," Winfield wrote. "A source, however, pushed back on the idea that Durant will show up to training camp in September if his request goes unfulfilled."Pelicans Could Swoop In
The Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors have been mentioned as potential destinations for Durant. However, we shouldn't rule the New Orleans Pelicans out of the equation as well:
"The New Orleans Pelicans remain interested in a deal for Durant, according to a source, and can put together a compelling package around All-Star forward Brandon Ingram, role players like Herbert Jones, Devonte' Graham and Jose Alvarado, and the remaining draft compensation they received from both the Los Angeles Lakers in the Anthony Davis trade and the Milwaukee Bucks in the Jrue Holiday trade," Winfield explained.Nets Get Plenty Of Value
In this scenario, the Nets would get a potential franchise cornerstone in Brandon Ingram. Moreover, adding pesky defenders like Herbert Jones and Jose Alvarado would certainly ail their struggles in the perimeter, while Devonte' Graham gives them an offensive spark off the bench.
But more than that, all that draft compensation would put the Nets back on track, especially after the infamous James Harden trade.
They May Have No Choice
But more than that, the Nets' hands could be tied right now. They shouldn't pay Durant not to show up and should make the most of his trade value while they still can:
"And as much as the Nets would like to keep Durant on the roster as he walks into the first year of a four-year, $ 198 million max contract extension, they run the risk of taking this charade into training camp, where it is not a certainty the superstar forward will show up," Winfield concluded.So, what are they waiting for?
]]>The Inquisitr
