Just as MLB is waiting on the domino to drop with Juan Soto trade talks, the NBA is on hold waiting to see where megastar Kevin Durant lands after his trade request from the Brooklyn Nets.
The Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns have long been considered the frontrunners in the Durant sweepstakes. Yet, neither team has presented the Nets with an offer they cannot refuse.
Therefore, trade talks have quieted for now. The Nets are in no rush to move Durant. And they should not, who wants to trade a top-15 all-time player still in his prime as Durant. However, the Nets are still looking to trade him, just they want the right price, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
One dark horse team that continues to buzz around the Durant sweepstakes is his hometown Washington Wizards. According to Sam Amico of Hoops Wire, the Wizards could “make a major push” for Durant.
The Wizards prepped for Durant for the 2016 free agency period. However, Durant spurned the Wizards by not giving them a meeting. Instead he signed with the Golden State Warriors and the rest is history.
Durant has seemingly been steadfast against playing for his home team. But circumstances have changed. He may not want to pass up the opportunity to play alongside a talent such as Bradley Beal. Yes, he did so back in 2016 when Beal was much younger, and John Wall was the cornerstone of the Wizards.
While it would be via a trade, Durant has enough cache that he could steer his next destination.
The Wizards in theory have movable assets, starting with Kristaps Porzingis. But, if the Nets reportedly are not intrigued by a Heat package led by Tyler Herro, then what could the Wizards possibly offer that’s better? There is the possibility of three or more teams being involved.
The Wizards may be a long shot, but history has proven never underestimate the magic of their general manager Tommy Sheppard when it comes to trades.
More must-reads: