NBA rumors: 4 teams that blew it by not upping the ante for Kevin Durant
By Josh Wilson
Teams that blew it with Kevin Durant: Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies blew it and have egg on their face after the report that they wouldn’t trade Desmond Bane for Durant on Monday.
Bane, going into his third year, is a fine player. He made the All-Rookie team in his debut season and took a huge sophomore leap, averaging 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. His 43.6 percent shooting beyond the arc bodes well for both the modern game and the Grizzlies roster makeup since it gives them spacing around the rim-running Ja Morant in the backcourt.
But let’s be honest, Bane was a dealbreaker for Kevin freakin’ Durant?
In fairness, the report was that the Grizzlies didn’t want to include Bane or Jaren Jackson Jr. in a deal. That’s a little steeper than just Bane, but still a deal that sounds like one any half-awake general manager might take if that’s truly what Brooklyn wanted.
It’s clear that Memphis is concerned about the downside of Durant and what he could do to the team’s culture and long-term roster stability. They’re high on their young talent, as they should be, since they’ve drafted extremely well over the last several seasons.
Still, most smaller market teams need to acquire a star at some point to get them over the hump, and Durant could have been that star for Memphis. Instead, they are going with the opportunity to have contractual control of Desmond Bane. Let’s see if it pays off.