All was quiet on the Kevin Durant trade front, though news of the Celtics-Nets’ discussions have emerged with Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN hearing that the two sides have spoken about a possible deal.
Woj cautions that while the Celtics have the pieces to put together a package that will potentially satisfy the Nets, no deal is close to coming to fruition.
The Nets’ posture on a potential trade has been largely unchanged: They want a massive return that potentially includes multiple unprotected first-round picks, pick swaps and impactful players for Durant, sources said.
The Celtics consider All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum off limits in any trade talks, but Boston is able to construct a package for Durant that could include Brown and as many as three unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027 and 2029) — and two pick swaps (2024 and 2026). Brown, 25, has two years and $56 million left on his current contract.
The Heat, Suns, and Raptors have been linked to Durant at various point this summer, though it seems like the chances of Durant playing outside of Brooklyn remain slim.
More From Boston
- Brian Windhorst (appearing on ESPN) hears that the discussions between the Celtics and Nets likely happened weeks ago and the news is not “fresh” (h/t NetsDaily). Still, Woj noted that the two sides remain in “regular contact.” Boston’s apparent willingness to include Jaylen Brown undoubtably puts the team in position to at least contend for the best Durant offer available.
- Shams Charania of The Athletic is peddling a slightly different message. The scribe (appearing on the Pat McAfee show) indicates that Boston is a “serious threat” to land Durant because of the trade package they can easily put together. Charania hears that the Celtics offered Brown, Derrick White and a package of draft picks to the Nets.
- The Celtics are currently the favorite to win the NBA title at PointsBet with odds of +500. Meanwhile, the six teams have better odds than the Nets (listed at +1400).
