New Celtics / Durant rumor

[SparzWizard]

All I know is that in NBA2K22 I traded Jaylen Brown away for KD to reflect the real life possibility, and now I'm topping the league with a big 3 of Tatum, Durant, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.  Still managed to hold onto Rob Williams, Brogdan, and Horford.  But Smart, Grant Williams, and draft picks had to go out the door.  We are just wrecking teams left and right now.  Well if I can build a championship contender/favorite overnight, so can Brad Stevens! 

Now let's put that into reality!

Aren't we already the favorites?

I think we're tied with the Warriors, Clippers as favorites. Bucks very closely behind too

[Erik]

I think the breakpoint for this deal to be headed toward Nets favor is if Smart is included. Anything less than Smart (like DWhite), this is a robbery. With Smart, I'd still probably do it but now it calls for a conversation. That's why they offered White. It's the minimum. I can't see how fans are upset about that other than from a sentimental perspective. You'd be pairing up a top 3 player with a top 10 player. I really don't care about anything else other than the season right in front of me, and that's going to make us huge favorites.

Although how funny would it be if the Nets sending us KD back for JB & picks and him putting up 2 mediocre seasons and then retiring.. would be the ultimate revenge. Can't really plan for that right? JB could walk in next contract negotiation. Nothing is ever a given.

[Roy H.]

For those who want to hear Steve Bulpett carry water for the Celtics organization on the Durant rumors:

https://youtu.be/2ETTA_r_pdU

[Moranis]

For those who want to hear Steve Bulpett carry water for the Celtics organization on the Durant rumors:

https://youtu.be/2ETTA_r_pdU

I just don't buy the premise that Boston wouldn't be better with Durant over the next couple of seasons if they traded Brown and Smart for him, which is seemingly what 2 of the 3 guys were saying.  Evan agrees though, Boston is better with Durant over the next couple of seasons than they'd be without making the trade.  He was concerned about the long term, but seemed to be the only one of the 3 that acknowledged that Boston would be better in the short term. 

So it really comes down to whether or not you think Boston is good enough as presently constructed to realistically win the title over the next couple of seasons.  For me that answer is no, which is why I'd make the trade because with Durant for Brown and Smart, Boston is by far the best team in the sport and would be a heavy heavy favorite to win the title.

[johnnygreen]

For those who want to hear Steve Bulpett carry water for the Celtics organization on the Durant rumors:

https://youtu.be/2ETTA_r_pdU

I just don't buy the premise that Boston wouldn't be better with Durant over the next couple of seasons if they traded Brown and Smart for him, which is seemingly what 2 of the 3 guys were saying.  Evan agrees though, Boston is better with Durant over the next couple of seasons than they'd be without making the trade.  He was concerned about the long term, but seemed to be the only one of the 3 that acknowledged that Boston would be better in the short term. 

So it really comes down to whether or not you think Boston is good enough as presently constructed to realistically win the title over the next couple of seasons.  For me that answer is no, which is why I'd make the trade because with Durant for Brown and Smart, Boston is by far the best team in the sport and would be a heavy heavy favorite to win the title.

Durant would definitely be the best player in the deal. However, I feel like the team would be out of balance (in a traditional player position point of view). I would want to know Brad's next move to help balance out the roster, by suring up the backcourt. I prefer Brongdon to be the backup due to his injury history.

[Roy H.]

For those who want to hear Steve Bulpett carry water for the Celtics organization on the Durant rumors:

https://youtu.be/2ETTA_r_pdU

I just don't buy the premise that Boston wouldn't be better with Durant over the next couple of seasons if they traded Brown and Smart for him, which is seemingly what 2 of the 3 guys were saying.  Evan agrees though, Boston is better with Durant over the next couple of seasons than they'd be without making the trade.  He was concerned about the long term, but seemed to be the only one of the 3 that acknowledged that Boston would be better in the short term. 

So it really comes down to whether or not you think Boston is good enough as presently constructed to realistically win the title over the next couple of seasons.  For me that answer is no, which is why I'd make the trade because with Durant for Brown and Smart, Boston is by far the best team in the sport and would be a heavy heavy favorite to win the title.

Durant would definitely be the best player in the deal. However, I feel like the team would be out of balance (in a traditional player position point of view). I would want to know Brad's next move to help balance out the roster, by suring up the backcourt. I prefer Brongdon to be the backup due to his injury history.

At the very least, we'd need to get Curry back in any deal.

[Moranis]

For those who want to hear Steve Bulpett carry water for the Celtics organization on the Durant rumors:

https://youtu.be/2ETTA_r_pdU

I just don't buy the premise that Boston wouldn't be better with Durant over the next couple of seasons if they traded Brown and Smart for him, which is seemingly what 2 of the 3 guys were saying.  Evan agrees though, Boston is better with Durant over the next couple of seasons than they'd be without making the trade.  He was concerned about the long term, but seemed to be the only one of the 3 that acknowledged that Boston would be better in the short term. 

So it really comes down to whether or not you think Boston is good enough as presently constructed to realistically win the title over the next couple of seasons.  For me that answer is no, which is why I'd make the trade because with Durant for Brown and Smart, Boston is by far the best team in the sport and would be a heavy heavy favorite to win the title.

Durant would definitely be the best player in the deal. However, I feel like the team would be out of balance (in a traditional player position point of view). I would want to know Brad's next move to help balance out the roster, by suring up the backcourt. I prefer Brongdon to be the backup due to his injury history.

At the very least, we'd need to get Curry back in any deal.

I suspect that would be a requirement something like Durant, Curry for Brown, Smart, Grant Williams, 2 1st's. 

So post-trade (with 3 open spots)

Starters - White, Brogdon, Durant, Tatum, Rob
Main Rotation - Curry, Pritchard, Gallo, Horford
Deep Bench - Hauser, Vonleh, Kornet, Kabengele, Davison

Add via veteran minimum guys like Howard and Anthony, and keep 1 spot open and I think that team is much better positioned to win a title this season. 

[Roy H.]

For those who want to hear Steve Bulpett carry water for the Celtics organization on the Durant rumors:

https://youtu.be/2ETTA_r_pdU

I just don't buy the premise that Boston wouldn't be better with Durant over the next couple of seasons if they traded Brown and Smart for him, which is seemingly what 2 of the 3 guys were saying.  Evan agrees though, Boston is better with Durant over the next couple of seasons than they'd be without making the trade.  He was concerned about the long term, but seemed to be the only one of the 3 that acknowledged that Boston would be better in the short term. 

So it really comes down to whether or not you think Boston is good enough as presently constructed to realistically win the title over the next couple of seasons.  For me that answer is no, which is why I'd make the trade because with Durant for Brown and Smart, Boston is by far the best team in the sport and would be a heavy heavy favorite to win the title.

Durant would definitely be the best player in the deal. However, I feel like the team would be out of balance (in a traditional player position point of view). I would want to know Brad's next move to help balance out the roster, by suring up the backcourt. I prefer Brongdon to be the backup due to his injury history.

At the very least, we'd need to get Curry back in any deal.

I suspect that would be a requirement something like Durant, Curry for Brown, Smart, Grant Williams, 2 1st's. 

So post-trade (with 3 open spots)

Starters - White, Brogdon, Durant, Tatum, Rob
Main Rotation - Curry, Pritchard, Gallo, Horford
Deep Bench - Hauser, Vonleh, Kornet, Kabengele, Davison

Add via veteran minimum guys like Howard and Anthony, and keep 1 spot open and I think that team is much better positioned to win a title this season.

Yeah, I'd be very tempted.  I'd ask them to throw in Cam Thomas, would sign one of DMC / Whiteside / Howard; and one of Lamb / Snell; and D.J. Augustin, leaving us with:

Timelord / Horford / Cousins
Durant / Gallinari / Vonleh
Tatum / Thomas / Hauser
Curry / White / Snell
Brogdon / Pritchard / Augustin

2-way:  Kabengele, Davinson

It's fantasy land, but that's better than what we've got right now.

[Moranis]

For those who want to hear Steve Bulpett carry water for the Celtics organization on the Durant rumors:

https://youtu.be/2ETTA_r_pdU

I just don't buy the premise that Boston wouldn't be better with Durant over the next couple of seasons if they traded Brown and Smart for him, which is seemingly what 2 of the 3 guys were saying.  Evan agrees though, Boston is better with Durant over the next couple of seasons than they'd be without making the trade.  He was concerned about the long term, but seemed to be the only one of the 3 that acknowledged that Boston would be better in the short term. 

So it really comes down to whether or not you think Boston is good enough as presently constructed to realistically win the title over the next couple of seasons.  For me that answer is no, which is why I'd make the trade because with Durant for Brown and Smart, Boston is by far the best team in the sport and would be a heavy heavy favorite to win the title.

Durant would definitely be the best player in the deal. However, I feel like the team would be out of balance (in a traditional player position point of view). I would want to know Brad's next move to help balance out the roster, by suring up the backcourt. I prefer Brongdon to be the backup due to his injury history.

At the very least, we'd need to get Curry back in any deal.

I suspect that would be a requirement something like Durant, Curry for Brown, Smart, Grant Williams, 2 1st's. 

So post-trade (with 3 open spots)

Starters - White, Brogdon, Durant, Tatum, Rob
Main Rotation - Curry, Pritchard, Gallo, Horford
Deep Bench - Hauser, Vonleh, Kornet, Kabengele, Davison

Add via veteran minimum guys like Howard and Anthony, and keep 1 spot open and I think that team is much better positioned to win a title this season.

Yeah, I'd be very tempted.  I'd ask them to throw in Cam Thomas, would sign one of DMC / Whiteside / Howard; and one of Lamb / Snell; and D.J. Augustin, leaving us with:

Timelord / Horford / Cousins
Durant / Gallinari / Vonleh
Tatum / Thomas / Hauser
Curry / White / Snell
Brogdon / Pritchard / Augustin

2-way:  Kabengele, Davinson

It's fantasy land, but that's better than what we've got right now.

Is it a fantasy land though?  I suspect the Nets would do Durant, Curry, Thomas for Brown, Smart, G. Williams, and some 1st's.  Why wouldn't they?  That is a great long term trade for them, while also being a great short term trade for the Celtics. 

[tazzmaniac]

The Athletic has a new story up on Durant's trade demand.  He apparently wants to be traded or Marks and Nash gone. 

In a face-to-face meeting with Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai over the weekend, All-NBA star Kevin Durant reiterated his trade request and informed Tsai that he needs to choose between Durant or the pairing of general manager Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash, sources tell The Athletic.

Durant stated he does not have faith in the team’s direction, sources said.

https://theathletic.com/3485297/2022/08/08/kevin-durant-nets-trade-steve-nash/

[Roy H.]

The Athletic has a new story up on Durant's trade demand.  He apparently wants to be traded or Marks and Nash gone. 

In a face-to-face meeting with Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai over the weekend, All-NBA star Kevin Durant reiterated his trade request and informed Tsai that he needs to choose between Durant or the pairing of general manager Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash, sources tell The Athletic.

Durant stated he does not have faith in the team’s direction, sources said.

https://theathletic.com/3485297/2022/08/08/kevin-durant-nets-trade-steve-nash/

Well, that one was unlikely fed to the Athletic by the Nets.  Durant's agent, perhaps.

Interesting sidenote:

Durant has grown close with Boston coach Ime Udoka in recent years after Udoka spent a year with Durant as an assistant in Brooklyn and later with Team USA for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

[Celtics2021]

The Athletic has a new story up on Durant's trade demand.  He apparently wants to be traded or Marks and Nash gone. 

In a face-to-face meeting with Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai over the weekend, All-NBA star Kevin Durant reiterated his trade request and informed Tsai that he needs to choose between Durant or the pairing of general manager Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash, sources tell The Athletic.

Durant stated he does not have faith in the team’s direction, sources said.

https://theathletic.com/3485297/2022/08/08/kevin-durant-nets-trade-steve-nash/

Well, that one was unlikely fed to the Athletic by the Nets.  Durant's agent, perhaps.

Yeah, that had to come from Durant if we believe stories aren’t made up.  Wasn’t Nash Durant’s hand-picked coach like two years ago?

[Vermont Green]

The Athletic has a new story up on Durant's trade demand.  He apparently wants to be traded or Marks and Nash gone. 

In a face-to-face meeting with Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai over the weekend, All-NBA star Kevin Durant reiterated his trade request and informed Tsai that he needs to choose between Durant or the pairing of general manager Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash, sources tell The Athletic.

Durant stated he does not have faith in the team’s direction, sources said.

https://theathletic.com/3485297/2022/08/08/kevin-durant-nets-trade-steve-nash/

OK, Durant's trade value just dropped again.  I wonder what direction exactly he doesn't like?  Is it that they traded Harden?  Harden wanted out because of Kyrie.  What a mess.  I think what Durant really is saying is that he doesn't trust Kyrie or Simmons.  He wants to go to a team where he can be more assured on winning.  But Kyrie is Durant's guy.  How can he blame management for that.  Simmons I guess you could blame mngt for.  And I think it is a cop out to blame Nash for the problems.

[Roy H.]

The Athletic has a new story up on Durant's trade demand.  He apparently wants to be traded or Marks and Nash gone. 

In a face-to-face meeting with Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai over the weekend, All-NBA star Kevin Durant reiterated his trade request and informed Tsai that he needs to choose between Durant or the pairing of general manager Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash, sources tell The Athletic.

Durant stated he does not have faith in the team’s direction, sources said.

https://theathletic.com/3485297/2022/08/08/kevin-durant-nets-trade-steve-nash/

OK, Durant's trade value just dropped again.  I wonder what direction exactly he doesn't like?  Is it that they traded Harden?  Harden wanted out because of Kyrie.  What a mess.  I think what Durant really is saying is that he doesn't trust Kyrie or Simmons.  He wants to go to a team where he can be more assured on winning.  But Kyrie is Durant's guy.  How can he blame management for that.  Simmons I guess you could blame mngt for.  And I think it is a cop out to blame Nash for the problems.

Being extremely generous to Durant here, perhaps he feels like Nets management did a poor job managing egos and keeping players focused on a common goal.  That's the only way Durant can cognitively blame the Nets, without blaming his buddy Kyrie.

And yes, trading Harden for somebody who didn't play a game for the Nets probably irritated him.

[RJ87]

The Athletic has a new story up on Durant's trade demand.  He apparently wants to be traded or Marks and Nash gone. 

In a face-to-face meeting with Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai over the weekend, All-NBA star Kevin Durant reiterated his trade request and informed Tsai that he needs to choose between Durant or the pairing of general manager Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash, sources tell The Athletic.

Durant stated he does not have faith in the team’s direction, sources said.

https://theathletic.com/3485297/2022/08/08/kevin-durant-nets-trade-steve-nash/

OK, Durant's trade value just dropped again.  I wonder what direction exactly he doesn't like?  Is it that they traded Harden?  Harden wanted out because of Kyrie.  What a mess.  I think what Durant really is saying is that he doesn't trust Kyrie or Simmons.  He wants to go to a team where he can be more assured on winning.  But Kyrie is Durant's guy.  How can he blame management for that.  Simmons I guess you could blame mngt for.  And I think it is a cop out to blame Nash for the problems.

It's a total cop out to blame Nash. Look, he's not a great coach but he's the guy Durant wanted. He wanted Atkinson gone because he wouldn't start Deandre Jordan over Jarrett Allen. Durant wanted Marks to trade for James Harden.

This is a case of inmates running the asylum and then realizing it actually was better with orderlies.