NBA trade rumors: Ranking the teams most likely to land Kevin Durant
By Josh Wilson
Kevin Durant’s destination has yet to crystalize in the extended offseason NBA trade rumors season
Typically, the most important player movement news of the year comes in July during NBA free agency. This year, it’s going to come much closer to the start of the season, if it even arrives before then.
Kevin Durant has requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets after requesting substantial organizational changes in coaching and management (subscription required). While the Nets can hold out on a trade with Durant under contract through 2026, they’d be wise to move the disgruntled star and get what they can in return at some point this season.
Brooklyn is being picky — as picky as they can in such a situation — knowing they have the most sought-after available star on their roster. They want win-now players and draft picks in return for Durant, having just exited a rebuild when the team acquired Durant and Kyrie Irving a few years ago.
Many teams are leery of giving up anything other than draft picks in a deal with the team for Durant or Irving. For now, that won’t get the deal done.
Plenty of teams have been connected to Durant in recent rumors including the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, and Phoenix Suns. Which of these is most likely to acquire Durant?
Let’s rank ’em!
Teams most likely to acquire Kevin Durant: The most unlikely
We’re only looking at teams who have been legitimately connected to the star to this point. No pipe dreams here!
Shams Charania released a major update on Monday morning detailing teams that were involved in the Durant discussions at one point or another (subscription required). Each of the seven teams that follow was mentioned.
Though these first two were legitimately connected, there’s a slim chance a deal actually goes through.
7. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets were among teams who checked in on the price for KD in June but ostensibly have disconnected from further conversation.
As far as win-now players go: Denver could offer Brooklyn Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray, or Michael Porter Jr.
6. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks were reported alongside the Nuggets as one of the teams that checked in on the price in June.
One would assume the Bucks, not far after their 2021 title, value their chemistry and what they’ve built around Giannis Antetokounmpo and would only want to strike a deal if the price were extremely affordable.
It’s likely the Nets would be seeking Jrue Holiday and/or Khris Middleton in a trade, two players the Bucks probably don’t want to deal.