Celtics reportedly engaged with Nets in Kevin Durant trade talks
Few teams have the depth of talent to meet Brooklyn’s asking price for a Kevin Durant trade without completely gutting their roster to the point that getting Durant would not matter.
The Boston Celtics are one of those few teams.
They could throw Jaylen Brown in the mix and still have Jayson Tatum to pair with Durant. Because of that, Boston has emerged as one of the teams engaged with Brooklyn on a Durant trade, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
The Celtics appear no closer to acquiring Durant than others in discussions with the Nets, but Boston’s ability to include All-Star forward Jaylen Brown as a centerpiece in offers does help to make the team formidable in its pursuit, sources said.
The Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors have been well-known to have varying degrees of interest in Durant, but the Celtics have also been in regular contact with the Nets, sources said.
Nothing is imminent, the report emphasizes. While the Celtics and Nets are talking, they are no closer than the Heat, Suns or anyone else. Durant trade talks have slowed overall, especially since the Suns matched the offer for Deandre Ayton. Part of that slowdown is because the Nets are asking for an overwhelming package of players (with at least one of an All-Star caliber) and picks in return for the former MVP, and teams are balking at the price.
A Celtics trade for Durant could take multiple forms, although the Nets would almost certainly want Brown in the mix as that All-Star caliber player. A trade such as Brown, Derrick White plus three first-round picks (2025, 2027 and 2029) and pick swaps works to match Durant’s $44 million salary next season (the first of his four-year extension). Brooklyn might push for the inclusion of Robert Williams III and Grant Williams instead of White, plus there could be a discussion about protections on the picks.
The Celtics could counter offer a trade without Brown, something like Al Horford, Marcus Smart and the first-round picks and swaps,…
Source : yahoo
