Almost a month after Kevin Durant asked the Nets for a trade, a new team has come into focus as a potential destination for the 12-time All-Star.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Celtics are one of the clubs involved in trade negotiations to possibly acquire Durant.
Wojnarowski also said the Celtics are now “no closer” to obtaining Kevin Durant than other teams in talks with the Nets, but their capacity to add All-Star forward Jaylen Brown in a potential deal has made them more competitive in their quest.
However, Boston could put together a package centred on Brown that might include up to three unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027, and 2029), two pick swaps, and Jayson Tatum, who Boston has designated off limits in trade negotiations (2024 and 2026).
This type of agreement might satisfy Brooklyn’s need for several first-round picks, pick swaps, and seasoned NBA players.
The Celtics reportedly offered the Nets a deal that includes Jaylen Brown, backup guard Derrick White, and a draft selection, according to a separate report from Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Nets turned down the trade and demanded that any offer from the Celtics include Brown, Marcus Smart, a number of picks, and perhaps an additional rotation player.
The contract for Kevin Durant, 33, has four years and around $200 million left on it. Brown’s current deal with the Celtics has two years and $56 million left on it.
Boston has allegedly joined the small group of organizations that can be viewed as Durant’s potential suitors. According to reports, the Nets and the Heat, Suns, and Raptors have been negotiating a possible deal for the future Hall of Fame forward.
After the organization declined to offer All-Star guard Kyrie Irving a supermax contract, Kevin Durant made a trade request.
