On the eve of free agency, Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant has formally requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. The 34-year-old reportedly is working with Nets GM Sean Marks and manager Rich Kleiman in finding a trade partner.
Durant currently has four years left on his contract, which could prove very interesting for any trade partner. It reported that the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat are desired landing spots for the star, however, the Nets front office is looking to maximize the assets they can get in a trade due to Durant’s status and contract.
This comes less than a week after Kyrie Irving decided to opt into the final year of his contract after reports that he and the Nets were at an “impasse” regarding negotiations. Reportedly, Irving’s leverage in negotiations was that his departure from the team meant Durant’s eventual departure. Durant and Irving had no contact with the franchise following Irving’s decision. Durant reportedly made the trade request directly to team owner Joe Tsai today.
According to sources, due to having one of the most valuable trade assets in recent memory, the Nets have made any player on their roster available to be discussed in trade deals, expecting a massive haul in assets and draft picks.
Durant joined the Nets in tandem with Irving during the 2019 offseason. Durant was recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, which he suffered in that year’s NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. In the two seasons, he’s played with the Nets, he’s averaged 28.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists while putting up .52/.41//90 splits. Durant also garnered MVP votes in 2020-21 in his first season back from injury.
In Durant’s time in Brooklyn, the team never advanced past the second round of the playoffs, losing to the eventual NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks in seven games in 2021 and being swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round in 2022.
There is no word on if Irving has requested a trade.
