The Kevin Durant transfer request drama has been ongoing for almost a month, and somehow things keep becoming more fascinating.
The Celtics have entered the conversation, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who cited the team’s capacity to sign one-time All-Star Jaylen Brown as justification. A few hours later, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Celtics had already put together a package around Brown and were now a serious contender to land Durant.
Sources: The Boston Celtics have offered a Jaylen Brown package to the Nets for Kevin Durant, which Brooklyn turned down and countered.
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
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 25, 2022
According to Shams Charania, the Boston Celtics apparently offered Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and a draft pick in exchange for KD. Brooklyn allegedly rejected the proposal and demanded that Boston include Marcus Smart and possibly more draft considerations.
“The Celtics offered Brown, guard Derrick White and a draft pick to the Nets for Durant, sources said. The proposal was rejected, and Brooklyn has asked Boston — in any proposal — to include Brown, Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, draft picks and potentially one more rotation player, those sources added.”
“Currently, the Celtics are less inclined to include Smart along with multiple other player or pick assets, but the franchise is mulling over next steps on how to approach discussions.”
Although the two sides appear to be rather far apart in their negotiations, it is obvious that Brown would be a part of any agreement and that the Celtics would have to give Smart, who has long been the soul of the team, a lot of thought before parting ways.
For various reasons, building a Durant deal was always going to be tough. Firstly, he will be 34 years old at the start of the season; secondly, his contract situation is complicated as he is under contract for four more years; and lastly, an obscure league rule limits the type of veteran star the Nets can get in return for him.
