12-15-2022, 04:46 PM
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#61
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Rookie
OVR: 2
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Rochester, NY
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Re: Off to the Races || Indiana Pacers (2K23)
On December 21, after the Nets 10th straight loss to a team .500 or better, Kevin Durant took major action that sent shockwaves around the league: he called a meeting with Nets management, including governor Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks, and informed them he will not be playing in any further games for the Brooklyn Nets.
The re-entrance of Durant into the league's trade market has led to something of a gridlock in front offices - until he is dealt, teams are reluctant to move assets. With most teams vying for spots in the playoffs and Play-In Tournament, there is also hesitance to make an all-in move before teams further sort themselves into buyers and sellers.
For the Nets, there are no shortage of buyers. Brooklyn has fielded calls from several teams including Phoenix, Miami, Washington, Memphis, and New Orleans, sources say. Brooklyn is especially interested in draft compensation and long-term pieces that are a good fit with playmaker Ben Simmons, those sources say. The question is if Brooklyn is hearing offers they feel are worth selling for.
Multiple league sources have shared that the packages presented to the Nets do not measure up to those received this summer, when Durant made his initial trade request. The Boston Celtics (27-9) have not significantly engaged with Brooklyn about Durant, according to sources. Boston has been without Jaylen Brown, who was the center of Boston's summer package for KD, since December 10th, but those sources say Boston's front office is encouraged by the team's 7-2 record in that timespan and are reluctant to make major moves that could affect team chemistry and long-term success.
Players anchoring currently offered packages include Kyle Kuzma or Kristaps Porzingis, both of Washington, and New Orleans' Dyson Daniels. Mikal Bridges was to be the centerpiece of Phoenix's offer, sources say, but his major knee injury has brought hesitation on both ends. Phoenix is again on Durant's list of preferred destinations, as it was in the summer.
The lack of perceived leverage is another potential influence on the lack of a blockbuster deal for Durant. With Durant sitting out games indefinitely, some front offices see him as a distressed asset.
Cap flexibility and draft capital is said to be placed at a premium for Brooklyn in the coming months. Their front office is open to multi-team deals in order to receive what they feel is the best possible deal, which includes cap relief.
Of course, the Nets could choose to sit on Durant, as he is under contract through the 2025-26 season. Multiple sources say this outcome is unlikely. With Brooklyn set to face the repeater tax this season, Nets leadership feel it is time to close the book on this chapter and move forward as a team.
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