NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant trade for Jaylen Brown, Derrick White rejected by Brooklyn Nets in 2022

Shams Charania confirms rumors of the Boston Celtics dangling Jaylen Brown in trade talks for Kevin Durant in 2022.

NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant trade for Jaylen Brown, Derrick White rejected by Brooklyn Nets in 2022

Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown (Images via Instagram)

Shams Charania confirmed the rumors about the Boston Celtics’ pursuit of Kevin Durant in the summer of 2022 on ESPN. The NBA insider reported this during his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show recently, noting how Celtics President of Basketball Operations had floated Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and a first-round pick as trade compensation for landing the four-time scoring champion.

The Brooklyn Nets were in turmoil at the time following a first-round sweep at the hands of Boston. This was less than 16 months after Brooklyn made a blockbuster trade that landed James Harden. Following the antics from Kyrie Irving that led to Harden demanding a trade away, the Nets were forced to settle for only Ben Simmons as their major piece from that move.

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The Nets found themselves at a crossroads at that point, with plans of a dynasty with a Big Three at the center of it in tatters. The front office debated taking trade offers for both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving that summer. They eventually agreed on an extension with Durant, but Irving’s fate remained up in the air.

Charania’s revelation about Brad Stevens making a move for Jaylen Brown is not necessarily a new story. However, him being up front with its validity at this stage in the future tells a story about the tumultuous offseason of 2022. There was a huge upheaval around the league soon to come, with many superstars joining new teams within the next year. Durant could possibly have formed yet another dynastic partnership alongside Jayson Tatum had this Celtics trade gone through.

Had Durant become a Celtic at that juncture, his credibility with NBA fans could also have taken another hit. This would have been the second time in his career joining a team to have made the Finals the year prior. It would doubtless have allowed talking heads like Stephen A. Smith to also have continued their disparaging comments and discredit Durant’s achievements. Having gone through the grind and the hate with Golden State, KD would undoubtedly have been hesitant at the optics.

Kevin Durant reacts to an NBA fan after his inflammatory tweet on failed Celtics trade

The news about this failed trade proposal between the Celtics and Nets has caused a bunch of reactions on NBA Twitter. There is no consensus on how the trade could have turned out, with many people lacking faith in Durant’s abilities. One specific reaction, however, was pointed and personal, calling him ‘a bi**h’. It crossed the 36-year-old’s timeline, and Durant had every reason to register a response.

Durant’s penchant for engaging with basketball fans online has some downsides to it, but him acting like an everyman and giving rational reactions when his name is needlessly dragged is definitely something that the community continues to get behind. The Suns star has faced uncharitable media scrutiny despite averaging 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, 4.2 assists per game and playing consistent defense this year.

Durant will likely be available in trade conversations once again during the summer of 2025. With the Phoenix Suns almost certainly destined to miss the play-in tournament, this team could look to sell high on assets like him and Devin Booker. Teams like Boston are again being floated as possible trade partners. However, even teams like OKC, Houston and Memphis could be in the mix for the Hall of Famer.