“How can the best player be available?” Kendrick Perkins questions why Kevin Durant hasn’t been traded yet
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Kevin Durant and Kendrick Perkins
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant is among the best players in the NBA. And he did everything he could to carry the tea in the playoffs. But failed experiment and uncertainty over other players’ futures he requested a trade away from the franchise. The trade request from the Brooklyn Nets made big waves. His trade request broke the internet when he made it, and after many speculations, and hot rumors, Durant is still in Brooklyn. Former NBA player turned analyst Kendrick Perkins is wondering why Durant has not yet been traded away, even to an Eastern Conference team like the Miami Heat. Miami Heat is one of the teams said to be included in KD’s wish list along with the Phoenix suns. But Durant is still on the Nets books and during a segment on First Take, Perkins spoke about Durant’s greatness while questioning his trade availability in this market.
Perkins claims, “We might just see him in the East anyway. I mean, Kevin Durant is a top-five. I mean, arguably the greatest player in the game today, and you mean to tell me he’s still available after requesting a trade?”
Is Kevin Durant untradeable?
Acquiring one of the greatest players in the NBA is a rare occurrence in the NBA. While the era of player mobility has seen players move around much more, it’s usually in free agency. But right now, Kevin Durant is available via trade and still has multiple years left on his contract. Due to Durant’s circumstances, Perkins believes every team should be trying to acquire him.
Talking about the prospect of KD playing in one’s team, the former NBA Champion said, “Listen, we’re talking about Kevin Durant, right. If I’m a GM of a team, I’m almost like emptying out or trying to be the first one. To beat everybody to the punch and make sure that I get Kevin Durant. That’s not the case right now.”
But as of now, there has not been any constructive news on the trade status. Teams are said to have inquired about Brooklyn’s expectations but are not making significant moves to acquire Durant. As per the Celtics big man KD’s trade value may be an issue in the progress.
As per reports, the Nets are expecting an All-Star player along with role players and draft picks against Durant. 2-time Finals MVP Kevin Durant played one of his best seasons after recovering from the injuries. But teams around the NBA are not making any strong moves to acquire him. Kendrick Perkins is now questioning how teams value Durant regarding a potential trade as many teams still have the required package for Slim Reaper.
Perkins argued, “So with that being said, I’m starting to wonder like how a team is valuing KD. Not disrespectfully, but they’re reluctant to give up their young stars or young superstars to acquire Kevin Durant. [He] still has four years left on his contract.”
But in reality, Durant’s value is something most analysts have struggled to put a finger on. Many consider him still a valued asset for any team, while some analysts are pointing out his age as a major negative factor regarding his value.
Though Durant has requested a trade away from the franchise, it’s the Nets who have maximum say in the deal. Considering his contract length and star power, KD might be involved in any trade discussions, but the final say would be with Brooklyn’s front office. And interestingly according to reports, Durant’s value may not be what the Brooklyn Nets want it to be to trade him.
Should Durant not receive the trade he requested, it will be interesting to see how the situation plays out. For now, the Brooklyn Nets and teams around the NBA will need to find profitable value for the 4-time scoring champion when they agree and close the deal.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)