“The marriage is not ending anytime soon” NBA Insider believes Kevin Durant would stay in Brooklyn despite beef with owner
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Tim Bontemps talks about Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant has been in news for many reasons. Firstly he and his team had to wrap up their 2022 season earlier than expected, then it followed by a difference in opinions with the critics and analysts, and then the truth bomb of his trade request shook the NBA world. And after failing the first attempts, KD had a face-to-face meeting with team Owner Joe Tsai. In the meeting he did put forth a demand, asking Tsai to choose between removing Sean Marks and Steve Nash and trading him. It again made huge news, making different opinions on the same. NBA analyst Tim Bontemps though feels it may help Brooklyn Nets keep Slim Reaper to the franchise.
Teams have been in the mix to onboard the two-time champ since Durant’s trade request, but nothing significant has transpired yet. It is mainly due to the enormous trade value that the Nets are expecting in exchange for KD. But his current request might force Brooklyn Nets to settle for a lower valuation. So, NBA analysts believe that Kevin Durant will end up playing with the Nets, as he explains his assessment.
ESPN’s NBA writer Tim Bontemps on the ‘Get UP’ show said, “Nothing has really changed. Obviously, you can look at what Kevin Durant has said in this meeting with Joe Tsai, ‘Hey this is a huge deal right? Kevin Durant wants the coach and GM of the team fired.”
Giving reference to Joe Tsai’s instant post after the meeting, he added, “But after what we saw in Joe Tsai’s tweet, this actually became the easiest layup to me for all-time for Joe Tsai, ‘Ohh wait a minute, I can go and support the coach and GM of my team instead of a guy who six weeks ago said, “I want to be traded,” seems like a pretty easy call to me.'”
Kevin Durant may force his way out, but Brooklyn Nets hold the final say in any deal.
When 2-time Champion Kevin Durant 1st made his desire to leave the franchised public, he gave The Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat as preferred destinations. Neither of those teams could match the Nets’ valuation and ended up looking for other feasible trade options. Boston Celtics made a strong push with a surprise package including Jaylen Brown in the discussions. But it was also sent back with some additional pieces to be added.
It was not only those teams making a push for Kevin Durant, but the Nets also tried contacting different teams with their own package, but that try also didn’t work well. The whole situation frustrated 12-time All-Star Durant and forced him to have final words with the Franchise Owners.
Further speaking about the whole situation, Bontemps said, “There are not many teams showing the kind of interest in giving up the kind of trade packages to the Brooklyn Nets that would make them want to trade Kevin Durant. And so as of now, like it was the last time I was on the show, a couple of weeks ago and like it was a couple of weeks before that.”
After insisting that situation is still the same for the trade despite the infamous meeting, the 35-year-old analyst added, “I think we’re looking at a situation where these teams, well Kevin Durant and the Nets, are going to be together at the start of training camp and probably at the start of the season and they’re gonna have to find a way to play nice and make this work because I don’t see this marriage ending anytime soon.”
Undoubtedly, the Nets have every right to get their valuation matched in exchange for their prized asset. And also be patient as he still has four years left on his contract. There are no commitment issues observed from KD as of now, and it could favor the Nets to keep him on the Roster. They already had 1 season with KD sitting on the bench, Kyrie Irving playing part-time, and also allowed Ben Simmons to have a break till he feels right to play on the court.
Kevin Durant is one of the best players in the NBA. For 33-year-age he had never shown any sign of rust in his gameplay. He still has a few more years of competitive basketball left in him. So, the Nets have a lot of leverage with KD having four years left on his contract. They are holding on to an ideal deal and only trade Kevin if that is matched. If the organization still doesn’t find the right deal for Durant, he will have to play for them next season.
Also Read: “Shutup…no commision for you” Jimmy Butler refuses to pay $842,500 to former sports manager
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)