Another NBA team may now be in the running to sign superstar Kevin Durant this offseason, though Brooklyn Nets do not seem to be close to trading the superstar.
According to a report of Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Boston Celtics are seen as a "real threat" to sign the 12-time All-Star. They proposed the Nets with a deal that involved Jaylen Brown.
The Celtics allegedly offered Brown, Derrick White, and a draft pick, according to Charania. However, the Nets refused it and responded by demanding Marcus Smart, the current Defensive Player of the Year, Brown, several draft picks, and at least one rotation player.
Sources: The Boston Celtics have offered a Jaylen Brown package to the Nets for Kevin Durant, which Brooklyn turned down and countered.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 25, 2022
Full details on a potential Celtics-Nets mega-deal to be had, latest on Donovan Mitchell and more at the Inside Pass: https://t.co/Gkyfkhg5A1
While Charania claims that "there is a deal to be had" despite Brooklyn's high asking price, Boston is reportedly hesitant to include Smart along with numerous other selections and players. However, the franchise is considering its options for how to proceed with negotiations.
Celtics Look Determined To Get KD
Since becoming Boston Celtics president of basketball operations following leaving his position as head coach, Brad Stevens has already taken many clever actions. YardBarker reported that he is currently pondering whether or not he would be prepared to give up the resources required to sign Kevin Durant.
The Celtics are currently a real option as a destination for Durant. They are really interested in getting him on board and see him as the missing component they need to get beyond the last obstacle.
There is still work to be done, but there is an agreement that could be reached that would satisfy the Nets' tremendous demand.President Brad Stevens needs to evaluate and examine the possibility of signing one of the greatest players in NBA history for Boston, which recently made it to the NBA Finals.
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The Celtics, on the other hand, are undoubtedly going to exercise caution and are determined to make sure the team can continue to be a title contender for years to come, which this present core appears to be set to achieve.
Though, it also should be considered that the exceptional talent of Kevin Durant can suddenly alter a team's standing from a title contender to a champion team.
Brooklyn Nets Still Hold the Final Word
As the first year of a four-year maximum deal, Durant will earn close to $44 million next season. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, there are several ways to patch together contracts to meet salary, but Jayson Tatum is off-limits. Al Horford and Derrick White, for instance, could get KD the contract, and Boston could also throw in several draft picks.
After the past MVP requested a trade on the eve of free agency, Phoenix, Miami, and Toronto are also interested in signing Durant, but none, save Boston, have come close to Brooklyn's asking price, according to Celtics Blog.
Stevens has acted rapidly and without much notice in the past when serving as an executive. That does not necessarily imply that if the Celtics had been interested in Kevin Durant, they would have already acquired him. However, they have likely made an offer, and Brooklyn now must determine what to do about it.
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