Following the Kyrie Irving trade on Sunday, it seems that the momentum behind a Kevin Durant trade next is increasing following a new report on the players he is left to compete with.
The NBA world and the pecking order in the Western Conference were shaken up today when the Brooklyn Nets pulled the trigger on a deal that would send superstar guard Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris to the Dallas Mavericks for a package that included Spencer Dinwiddie and several draft picks.
The deal quickly came together after the seven-time All-Star officially requested a trade on Friday following failed negotiations on a max contract extension. The Mavericks reportedly beat out the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers for Irving and are likely to be a force in the conference coming playoff time.
Related: Brooklyn Nets pursuing 2nd blockbuster deal before NBA trade deadline: 4 targets
The Brooklyn Nets on the other hand are in a precarious position. After the deal was made, it was reported that the team will now try and use those picks from Dallas, and an extra first-round pick they own to improve this season’s team and try to avoid being forced to make a Kevin Durant trade before the Feb. 9 trade deadline.
A new report on Sunday added to the pressure on the Nets and to the rumors that the 13-time All-Star could also look for his escape from New York.
Kevin Durant trade seems likely since star player not thrilled playing with Ben Simmons
With Irving off the roster, the next top star on the roster after Durant is a three-time All-Star Ben Simmons. Yet, after missing all of last season with a back injury and issues with his former team, Simmons has not come anywhere close to recapturing his elite form with the Nets.
Simmons is averaging just over seven points, six rebounds, and six assists after only 37 games and with two coaches in Brooklyn. That result could make the possibility of a Kevin Durant trade that much more likely.
- Kevin Durant stats (2022-2023): 29.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.5 BPG, 38% 3PT
On Sunday, the New York Daily News reported that “whether or not Durant wants to remain in Brooklyn with Irving out of town is unclear. Ben Simmons has missed the last four games with left knee soreness, but sources familiar with Durant’s thinking tell the Daily News the star forward has been less than enthralled with Simmons.”
Durant came to New York for the chance to play with a fellow superstar, and it was the reason he left being the top star in Oklahoma City to win a couple of titles in Golden State. Being the lone star and saddled with Ben Simmons will likely be cause for a third Kevin Durant trade request in the last year.