Kevin Durant is the most sought-after player in the NBA right now.
The future Hall of Famer sent shockwaves throughout the league when he requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets at the beginning of free agency.
While Sean Marks and Co. agreed to oblige the request, progress on getting something done has been limited.
Part of the reason why appears to be Brooklyn’s asking price.
According to NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the Nets wanted a very specific package from New Orleans.
“I know the Pelicans and the Nets were talking,” Robinson said. “The Nets wanted a package that included Larry Nance, Brandon Ingram and picks. The Pelicans are in the best situation because they have six first-round picks from trades they did in the past with the Lakers and the Bucks.”
Obviously the Pelicans found the idea of parting with their entire young core and draft picks unacceptable, even if it was for Durant.
The Nets have reportedly been shocked by the lack of legitimate interest in Durant thus far. Obviously offers are coming in, but not the sort of proposals that Brooklyn envisioned when Durant put himself on the open market.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ best offer for Durant is no secret. Ditto for the Boston Celtics’ best offer. And the Toronto Raptors’ bid. Same with the Portland Trail Blazers’ offer.
But none are good enough.
According to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, one team is currently “most determined” to land Durant. Whether they will or won’t be able to get it done remains to be seen.
Durant has two major issues with the Nets. It’s hard to see how that gets resolved going forward.
A trade feels inevitable. It will happen sooner or later, no matter what.
But where will Durant ultimately end up when it’s all said and done?
Time will tell.
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