Kevin Durant Sweepstakes

[benhogan]

This all feels like Summer NBA boredom smoke. Then again, I thought the same before the Kyrie trade.

If this is true then I suspect there may be JB tension that we're not aware of

IMO our Eurostash 19yr equates a 2023 late first (Begarin putting up 25pts vs. the Nets in Summer League doesn't hurt)

JB + White + Begarin +1st should be attractive

 

[Cellar-Door]

And what are the chances that Durant wants out after a year? Or two? For top tier players, length of contract means very little in the modern NBA.
In other words --for top tier players a two year window might be the efficient time horizon to use when planning.

OTOH I do agree with Kliq -- KD is an aging machine who has had serious injuries. 3 years from now he is likely to be an financial obstacle (ala Wall, Westbrook, etc). Alas, that is a scenario where a >2 year window is likely.

COntract control means a lot though, losing a guy for nothing or very little, is very different from losing a guy for a bunch of assets.

Also, KD has only asked out once in his long career... right now. There is just as much chance Brown asks out, and a 100% certainty he's an UFA in 2 years. If you're talking control, you'd rather have a player with years on his deal than a FA.

Also... yeah KD will likely decline.... but he's also 3-4 tiers better than Jaylen, he's also wildly better than Wall ever was, or even Westbrook. You're talking about a top 15 player of all time, not a run of the mill all-star.

 

[Jed Zeppelin]

Three years from now, that expiring contract is a major asset.

NBA gets a new TV deal in a few years, yes? He'll be old by that point but at the very least his deal won't be a massive drag even if he has slowed down a lot.

 

[BigSoxFan]

I get that part, though I don’t think the Cs with additions of Brogdon and Gallo, and the young core one more year experienced and battle-tested. are any worse of a bet going forward than the Warriors with their aging core. They could easily be a better bet, depending how Steph ages at 34.

Durant v Brown and Durant v Wiggins are similar in that you’re upgrading massively on offense while downgrading youth, durability, and defensive versatility (since I don’t think KD at 34 can chase young fast guards and wings around the perimeter the way Wiggs and JB can). Then you throw in all the intangible/sentimental stuff. and all the other assets you have to kick in … I dunno, just doesn’t seem worth it to me.

It’s a fair take. The Celtics with their offseason improvements could win a title. They were almost there without those guys and with Tatum and the bench all playing like crap. I think all of this centers around Jaylen’s plans or what the Celtics think his plans are. Any doubt there and I think you have to strongly consider this move and deal with the KD injury/personality risk.

 

[sezwho]

I may be biased and irrational here but I don’t trust anyone who willingly associates themselves with Kanye. Jaylen is a smart dude but I could totally see Kanye Rich Paul’ing him. If this move happens, I think the Celtics’ brass might have similar concerns.

Brown has previously stated that he wants any business partnerships to incorporate social justice and sustainability. He's currently a sneaker brand free agent, and had the following to say earlier last year when his deal with Adidas expired:

"I'm looking for a shoe company that's progressive, cutting edge, that keeps an open mind, that's also leaning towards doing things in the community, as well environment friendly, sustainable, recyclable, biodegradable products. I'm looking for the brand of the future, not the brand of the past."

I don't want him babysitting my kids, but if I wanted to better position my 'brand' in todays social media and marketing world, Kanye seems to know a thing or two.

 

[Euclis20]

The injury risk with Durant is very real, but in 2-4 years he'll still be 6'10, a great shooter, smart defender and completely unafraid of the big moments. IF he stays healthy I see him being as good as late prime Dirk, which his a very good player (and as good as Brown is likely to be, albeit in different ways). If Brown were signed for longer than 2 years (and some light smoke indicating that he might not be sticking around longterm) this would be a difficult decision, but he's not so this is pretty easy, for me.

 

[RedOctober3829]

This all feels like Summer NBA boredom smoke. Then again, I thought the same before the Kyrie trade.

If this is true then I suspect there may be JB tension that we're not aware of

IMO our Eurostash 19yr equates a 2023 late first (Begarin putting up 25pts vs. the Nets in Summer League doesn't hurt)

JB + White + Begarin +1st should be attractive

I don't think it's boredom. Durant wants out and from the start of this it was thought of that Boston, if interested in doing so, could offer the best package while still being a contender which would entice KD to go to said team. If this is true and Boston wants to do this, it makes a ton of sense especially if Brown has given an indication it's not a given he re-signs long-term.

 

[Light-Tower-Power]

I don't think it's boredom. Durant wants out and from the start of this it was thought of that Boston, if interested in doing so, could offer the best package while still being a contender which would entice KD to go to said team. If this is true and Boston wants to do this, it makes a ton of sense especially if Brown has given an indication it's not a given he re-signs long-term.

It's beyond offseason clickbait if both Shams and Woj have it. There's definitely something going on.

 

[Euclis20]

I wouldn’t want the Warriors to trade Wiggins straight up for Durant, and Brown is younger and better than Wiggins, so I totally get where the “No on Brown for KD” sentiment is coming from.

And obviously, we’re not talking a straight up trade in either case.

I remember this board absolutely loving it when Belichick (in an interview) said that at this point in his career, he only wanted to coach players that he liked. The Pats were a few months removed from the comeback against Atlanta, their 2nd title in 3 years and 5th in 15. Winning that much makes you less desperate for the next one, that's just how it is. Things look different when you've got 1 in 36 years, you're more likely to take a chance and make no mistake, Durant raises their ceiling.

 

[moondog80]

Given the prospect of re-signing Jaylen, every minute that goes by without a firm denial form Boston makes it more likely this happens IMO.

 

[Mooch]

A healthy Durant opposite Tatum in the playoffs makes the Celtics the odds on favorites in any series, no matter the opponent. Why in the world would any Celtic fan not want this? I'm honestly baffled by people who think this is a downgrade in any way.

 

[BigSoxFan]

Brown has previously stated that he wants any business partnerships to incorporate social justice and sustainability. He's currently a sneaker brand free agent, and had the following to say earlier last year when his deal with Adidas expired:
"I'm looking for a shoe company that's progressive, cutting edge, that keeps an open mind, that's also leaning towards doing things in the community, as well environment friendly, sustainable, recyclable, biodegradable products. I'm looking for the brand of the future, not the brand of the past."

I don't want him babysitting my kids, but if I wanted to better position my 'brand' in todays social media and marketing world, Kanye seems to know a thing or two.

All fair. Kanye excels in that area. But the dude has issues and I don’t trust him. Jaylen is his own man but that association just doesn’t sit well with me, even if it is for altruistic reasons.

 

[Jed Zeppelin]

A healthy Durant opposite Tatum in the playoffs makes the Celtics the odds on favorites in any series, no matter the opponent. Why in the world would any Celtic fan not want this? I'm honestly baffled by people who think this is a downgrade in any way.

I mean it is the same impulse that had us lamenting losing Al Jefferson even though we were getting an MVP-level talent in return.

 

[Strike4]

This guy was on it.
View: https://twitter.com/thehooopcentral/status/1532202098603044864?lang=en

 

[Cesar Crespo]

So which KD burner account leaked it?

 

[LesterFan]

View: https://twitter.com/FCHWPO/status/1551581600973959168

 

[Pablo's TB Lover]

All fair. Kanye excels in that area. But the dude has issues and I don’t trust him. Jaylen is his own man but that association just doesn’t sit well with me, even if it is for altruistic reasons.

Business-wise, Kanye went from an underground hip hop collective to producing for Jay Z to being worth $7 billion vs Jay Z's $1.3 billion (Source: Forbes). Can't argue with that. But the man is so erratic I would not feel comfortable putting part of my livelihood in his hands. Or having a business relationship with the person who has Kanye in their orbit (where the C's are at now).

JB is keeping his current agent for future NBA negotiations, but what happens if his agent has a Supermax on the table from the C's and Kanye says I can make you $10 million more a year on your sneaker deal and you could impact social justice much more by playing in X or Y city, even though the salary will be lower. Whose recommendation does he take in that scenario?

 

[ColonelMustard]

A healthy Durant opposite Tatum in the playoffs makes the Celtics the odds on favorites in any series, no matter the opponent. Why in the world would any Celtic fan not want this? I'm honestly baffled by people who think this is a downgrade in any way.

The operative word here is healthy, however, Jaylen also has his own durability concerns.

Let's not bash the guy on his way out. Jaylen does not appear to be a malcontent. Jaylen, like any alpha, believes he's the best and wants to make the biggest impact. If Jaylen, Jayson, and Smart win a championship wouldn't he want to stay to run it back?

In terms of the off-season, Kayne knows shoes and branding. Kanye is a weird choice for basketball reasons but maybe Jaylen believes he already has that covered.

Jaylen also seems to have a really strong bond with some of these guys who he's grown up with. I'm sure you all have seen this video of Jaylen hyping up Smart or the one of him giving dap to Deuce after a playoff game.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhZGklUUgjU&feature=youtu.be


Edit: What's not talked about now but will be the narrative later is how JT needed an "all-time" great like Durant to help get him a championship.

 

[Senator Donut]

So which KD burner account leaked it?

I know this is tongue-in-cheek, but considering Woj had it first, this probably came from the Nets front office. If so, why did this leak? Was it simply to sow discord with a conference rival? Was it to show KD that the current trade offers were not any good? Or was it to put pressure on Boston to up their offer? I can't quite figure it out.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

Business-wise, Kanye went from an underground hip hop collective to producing for Jay Z to being worth $7 billion vs Jay Z's $1.3 billion (Source: Forbes). Can't argue with that. But the man is so erratic I would not feel comfortable putting part of my livelihood in his hands. Or having a business relationship with the person who has Kanye in their orbit (where the C's are at now).

JB is keeping his current agent for future NBA negotiations, but what happens if his agent has a Supermax on the table from the C's and Kanye says I can make you $10 million more a year on your sneaker deal and you could impact social justice much more by playing in X or Y city, even though the salary will be lower. Whose recommendation does he take in that scenario?

His own? It depends what matters to JB more. If JB really cares about social justice and his sneaker deal, any agent would give him the same advice. What agent would say "Hey, stay in Boston for less money and to make less of an impact on social justice."

It's the agents job to put JB in the best situation for JB. Kanye or whoever.

 

[Ed Hillel]

I know this is tongue-in-cheek, but considering Woj had it first, this probably came from the Nets front office. If so, why did this leak? Was it simply to sow discord with a conference rival? Was it to show KD that the current trade offers were not any good? Or was it to put pressure on Boston to up their offer? I can't quite figure it out.

Look at the post 3 above yours for the answer…

 

[cournoyer]

Wow that tweet from Jaylen. Must have a million thoughts going through his head right now. I wonder if he's been told personally that it's all BS or that this is a very real thing and he feels jaded. Feels like the latter.

 

[ColonelMustard]

Wow that tweet from Jaylen. Must have a million thoughts going through his head right now. I wonder if he's been told personally that it's all BS or that this is a very real thing and he feels jaded. Feels like the latter.

Why would he want to appear jaded to his new employer and fans?

 

[cournoyer]

Why would he want to appear jaded to your new employer and fans?

So much of it depends on behind the scenes stuff that we are not privy to, but he may feel backstabbed by the Celtics' front office if he felt this came out of left field and there was no discussion with him. Pure speculation obviously on a vague tweet, so who knows.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

Considering what was ACTUALLY said and the sources behind it, I think we should all be pumping the breaks.

Two sources. Woj and Shams.

Woj? Trustworthy. He made the first tweet/article. The actual language he used?

The Celtics appear no closer to acquiring Durant than others in discussions with the Nets.
...
There are no deals believed to have traction for Durant, and no team has yet to reach the significant threshold that the Nets have set to trade one of the league's most talented players, sources said.

This piece was submitted at 2:30AM, which feels to me like either (A) a huge breaking story or (B) deadline story. Considering there isn't any actual news in the article about an offer and its its the start of a new week, B is a pretty good bet.

"No deals believed to have traction for Durant" means the Celtics haven't included Brown in any deal. How do we know? Because it would be a deal that creates traction, according to Woj himself.

Boston's ability to include All-Star forward Jaylen Brown as a centerpiece in offers does help make the team formidable in its pursuit, sources said.
...
Boston is able to construct a package for Durant that could include Brown and as many as three unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027 and 2029) -- and two pick swaps (2024 and 2026).

So, the article is, "Celtics reached out to Nets about Durant, no offers made. If they offered Brown, the Nets would be interested." Literally nothing we don't already know.

The second source is Shams. Hes a shitty, untrustworthy, scummy journalist. He's been proven to be a liar. He posted a tweet a few hours after Woj citing an unknown source that the Celtics have made an offer that includes Brown.

Now. Do we think Shams scooped Woj a few hours after Woj's article? That Woj has heard NO offers, but Shams has all the details from inside the meeting room? Or do we think Shams is a piece of shit simply driving clicks and trying to increase his rep/visibility with a made up source and riding Woj's coattails.

I know what I think.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

Even though the Cs have been great at keeping discussions in-house, Brad had to know that at some point, the discussions would be leaked - if only, as you note, to try to create leverage.

I have to believe they have already contacted both JT and JB about these discussions. From interviews of JT about the Olympics team, it seems that JT and KD got along pretty well (JT mentioned that KD has annointed JT as the next face of the US team) so it's probably not an issue with JT.

As for JB, hopefully the Cs have his pulse pretty well measured. It would suck to have next season derailed because of this.

This is opart of why I think it was a Brooklyn leak.

*Superstar* NBA players don't want to live in Boston.

As a general matter yes. In the specific context of a Durent for Brown deal... maybe, maybe not.

If the trade offer isn't true; the Celtics probably need to come out with a public statement that it isn't true and they aren't looking to trade Jaylen Brown. If there is concern about resigning Brown in the future, him knowing that they've been dangling him out as trade bait a few months after they were two wins from a title is not going to help matters.

My guess is that it is true or close to true.

If Durant doesn't want Boston, and this is the best that Brooklyn can do right now, leaking this deal might convince him to reconcile and stick around for another season without drama.

Good point - this would make a lot of sense.

Wow that tweet from Jaylen. Must have a million thoughts going through his head right now. I wonder if he's been told personally that it's all BS or that this is a very real thing and he feels jaded. Feels like the latter.

I don't think one 3 letter tweet is worth overanalyzing. The NBA is a business, and Jaylen likely knows that better than most.

 

[lovegtm]

Wow that tweet from Jaylen. Must have a million thoughts going through his head right now. I wonder if he's been told personally that it's all BS or that this is a very real thing and he feels jaded. Feels like the latter.

At the same time, he is a very rich man who can choose to play anywhere in the United States in 2 years' time, while getting wildly richer. (Really 1 year, since he will get dealt to a team he likes if he indicates he won't re-sign, wherever he is).

 

[Euclis20]

Edit: What's not talked about now but will be the narrative later is how JT needed an "all-time" great like Durant to help get him a championship.

Maybe Tatum cares about that some day, but I don't see any reason why celtics fans should ever care, now or ever. Are any Warriors fans unhappy that one could argue that they needed Durant to get past a healthy Lebron Cavs team? None that I've met.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

Whether this would be a lowball offer depends on how one feels about Jaylen, I'd say. As well as whether one is benchmarking to the Nets reported or to what else is actually out there.

Jaylen is a lot better than any other single asset we've seen rumored, isn't he? Athletic had him in the 20-25 range overall, and he's still young. I just don't see anyone close to that on the table. The Nets are pretty incented to seek a player rather than picks as the primary return, since their own picks are already out the door.

Who is the recent guy of Jaylen's caliber dealt? Dejounte Murray is not in Jaylen's tier (a full tier below in Athletic rankings) and yielded essentially three firsts. So Jaylen is something above that, and White is worth a first+ as well.

I am lower on this concept than others, and I'm also curious the comps people have in their heads that suggest it's a lowball offer. I imagine some will cite the Gobert deal and I'd agree with that...but also would say that is more the outlier in my mind

 

[Mooch]

I'm not at all concerned about JB's feelings getting hurt by these rumblings, only for him to stay with the Celtics. If anything, he and Marcus can pull the "us vs. the world/let's win it all to prove that we're champs" type of underdog thing.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

Whether this would be a lowball offer depends on how one feels about Jaylen, I'd say. As well as whether one is benchmarking to the Nets reported or to what else is actually out there.

Jaylen is a lot better than any other single asset we've seen rumored, isn't he? Athletic had him in the 20-25 range overall, and he's still young. I just don't see anyone close to that on the table. The Nets are pretty incented to seek a player rather than picks as the primary return, since their own picks are already out the door.

Who is the recent guy of Jaylen's caliber dealt? Dejounte Murray is not in Jaylen's tier (a full tier below in Athletic rankings) and yielded essentially three firsts. So Jaylen is something above that, and White is worth a first+ as well.

I am lower on this concept than others, and I'm also curious the comps people have in their heads that suggest it's a lowball offer. I imagine some will cite the Gobert deal and I'd agree with that...but also would say that is more the outlier in my mind

Jrue Holiday. Reasons for that too, though.

Also don't think there's much difference between being 22nd and 34th. A lot of it is just opinion and fit actually matters. I don't know Murray or Brown's actual ranking, just mean in general. I'm sure plenty of teams would favor Murray over Brown. And Brown over Murray.

Thing is, players of Jaylen's caliber don't really get dealt that often. They don't normally demand trades because they don't have that pull. Ben Simmons. Murray.

 

[The Social Chair]

Show your work. The last three times Boston has had max cap space, they’ve been able to fill it easily (Walker, Hayward, Horford). This isn’t Indiana who has gaping cap space and nothing to spend it on.

Those aren't first team All NBA players. Guys like that are just looking for a winning team and a max contract.

The Lebrons, Durants, etc can pick their city and they don't want to live in Boston.

 

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

Maybe Tatum cares about that some day, but I don't see any reason why celtics fans should ever care. Are any Warriors fans unhappy that one could argue that they needed Durant to get past a healthy Lebron Cavs team? None that I've met.

People who care about that stuff aren't focused on their teams winning a championship imo.

On another note, any potential Durant deal is almost a lock to be leaked but the fallout from the story alone can be significant. If Boston is really engaged, they almost have to get it done. Of course they can walk away if the price is too high but they are likely still worse off from a chemistry perspective etc. Stakes is high.

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

3 years from now he is likely to be an financial obstacle (ala Wall, Westbrook, etc).

It's interesting to me that you are comparing arguably the best shooter of a person his size versus two guys who simply can't shoot.

KD will not age like Wall/Westbrook did.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

I tend to doubt there's a single team which would prefer Murray over Brown, actually....which specific teams do you think would do that and why?

My point is primarily still that guys of Brown's age and caliber are rarely traded, and so it's hard to quantify whether that makes an offer high or low. Holliday was two picks and two swaps, so again we have a guy generally ranked at or below Brown who is older and valued at 4 picks....plus in the proposed deal we had White (himself work more than a 1st) and another pick. So, is that in aggregate an underpay? Durant is a very unique asset---but it's not completely clear the limited historicial comp market suggests that. I am cautioning against believing the Nets 'ask' is what they'll really get.

Of course, he's unique and I could be all wrong too...

 

[EvilEmpire]

Jaylen is a lot better than any other single asset we've seen rumored, isn't he? Athletic had him in the 20-25 range overall, and he's still young. I just don't see anyone close to that on the table. The Nets are pretty incented to seek a player rather than picks as the primary return, since their own picks are already out the door.

If they lose Durant and Kyrie is out the door, unless they get a massive package of talent back, isn't Brooklyn closer to blowing it all up than competing anyway? I know they want massive talent that helps them compete right now, but if the best they're getting is Brown and not much else, I think Brooklyn is better off going for the biggest pick heavy deal they can get.

If Brooklyn wants to compete now, keep Durant and try to patch things up. If not, blow it all up. I don't see how a Brown deal like the one being discussed helps them accomplish anything.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

It's interesting to me that you are comparing arguably the best shooter of a person his size versus two guys who simply can't shoot.

KD will not age like Wall/Westbrook did.

Especially since he's already older than both of them.

 

[Mooch]

I tend to doubt there's a single team which would prefer Murray over Brown, actually....which specific teams do you think would do that and why?

My point is primarily still that guys of Brown's age and caliber are rarely traded, and so it's hard to quantify whether that makes an offer high or low. Holliday was two picks and two swaps, so again we have a guy generally ranked at or below Brown who is older and valued at 4 picks....plus in the proposed deal we had White (himself work more than a 1st) and another pick. So, is that in aggregate an underpay? Durant is a very unique asset---but it's not completely clear the limited historicial comp market suggests that. I am cautioning against believing the Nets 'ask' is what they'll really get.

Of course, he's unique and I could be all wrong too...

It will be interesting to see what the Jazz get for Mitchell - He's similar to Brown in a lot of ways from a trade-value perspective.

 

[PedroKsBambino]

If they lose Durant and Kyrie is out the door, unless they get a massive package of talent back, isn't Brooklyn closer to blowing it all up than competing anyway? I know they want massive talent that helps them compete right now, but if the best they're getting is Brown and not much else, I think Brooklyn is better off going for the biggest pick heavy deal they can get.

If Brooklyn wants to compete now, keep Durant and try to patch things up. If not, blow it all up. I don't see how a Brown deal like the one being discussed helps them accomplish anything.

They have traded away their own pick so while at some point that is a sunk cost they shouldn't worry about, it does set the 'baseline' a lot more towards players, imo. A rebuild built exclusively on Boston picks is not a very attractive option----I do think they'd prefer to try the mid-stream reload (sort of like they did before) where they are competitive and seeking a second star to trying to build from scratch with what will be fairly limited "other team" draft assets.

Their choice is, in my view, wildly different than Utah's because of their own pick obligations. If you are Utah (or SA) part of the value of tanking is a shot at Wenbanyama or another star in the next year or two on your own picks. The Nets don't have that option

 

[djbayko]

Didn't he say he wanted out literally the day Kyrie said he was staying? They may be friends but it seems like KD may be over it.

When the poster you replied to brought up KD’s friendship with Kyrie as a potential reason for not wanting the Celtics, I assume they meant that Kyrie’s constant badmouthing of his time with Boston. Everyone knows KD requested a trade.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

Did the Celtics offer Brown, White and a 1st round pick or 1st round picks? Real GM summed up the article saying pick. I don't have The Athletic so I can't read it.

Nets countered with Smart and more picks?

If it was one pick, yeah. I can see that being considered light.

 

[djbayko]

I mean it is the same impulse that had us lamenting losing Al Jefferson even though we were getting an MVP-level talent in return.

Who did this? Name names Okay, don’t do that, but that sentiment would have been ridiculous.

I loved KG. Meanwhile, Durant is one of my least favorite players. If a trade happens, I’ll reluctantly get on board and hope for a few title runs, but I’m not thrilled at the idea of breaking up this team for him. If people’s suspicions are correct about possibly losing Brown anyways, then yeah, this trade would be the right move. Brad knows a lot more than we do.

 

[Senator Donut]

Did the Celtics offer Brown, White and a 1st round pick or 1st round picks? Real GM summed up the article saying pick. I don't have The Athletic so I can't read it.

Nets countered with Smart and more picks?

If it was one pick, yeah. I can see that being considered light.

Charania reported Brown, White, and “a draft pick” so technically it could even have been a protected second rounder.

 

[Ed Hillel]

If they lose Durant and Kyrie is out the door, unless they get a massive package of talent back, isn't Brooklyn closer to blowing it all up than competing anyway? I know they want massive talent that helps them compete right now, but if the best they're getting is Brown and not much else, I think Brooklyn is better off going for the biggest pick heavy deal they can get.

If Brooklyn wants to compete now, keep Durant and try to patch things up. If not, blow it all up. I don't see how a Brown deal like the one being discussed helps them accomplish anything.

This is hard to accomplish oftentimes in the NBA. Where is Kevin Durant agreeing to go that can offer lots of tasty draft picks to Brooklyn? Oftentimes, it's best to just take the best assets you can get and turn THOSE into draft picks down the line if you can/need to.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

Charania reported Brown, White, and “a draft pick” so technically it could even have been a protected second rounder.

Trading multiple first and swaps would put the C's in a terrible position once Tatum is up for FA again. Maybe a few titles would keep him here or the C's obtain another star before/when Durant ages out somehow. 4 years is a long time from now.

 

[Senator Donut]

If Brooklyn wants to compete now, keep Durant and try to patch things up. If not, blow it all up. I don't see how a Brown deal like the one being discussed helps them accomplish anything.

What does blowing it up accomplish? The Nets don’t own their own first-round draft pick outright until 2028. Houston gets all of the upside of being bad.

 

[Auger34]

I know this is tongue-in-cheek, but considering Woj had it first, this probably came from the Nets front office. If so, why did this leak? Was it simply to sow discord with a conference rival? Was it to show KD that the current trade offers were not any good? Or was it to put pressure on Boston to up their offer? I can't quite figure it out.

It was leaked at a very late hour too…

My guesses are:

1. Leaked the offer to get other suitors to step their offer up.

2 leaked the offer to prove to KD they are trying to trade him but not getting what they want.

I think I might be leaning more to 2 at the moment, mostly because I don’t think many teams can beat that Celtics offer, but I am not positive.

All I know is that it seems like these talks are over (Woj outright says it, Windhorst said it, Shams hinted at it) and no deal was made.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

So Shams is now saying the Suns are eliminated and the teams in the hunt are the C's, Heat and Raptors. Or maybe he said that before and other sites are just reporting it.

 

[Auger34]

So Shams is now saying the Suns are eliminated and the teams in the hunt are the C's, Heat and Raptors. Or maybe he said that before and other sites are just reporting it.

I don’t see that anywhere….

 

[Cesar Crespo]

I don’t see that anywhere….

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/268068/Suns-All-But-Eliminated-From-Kevin-Durant-Trade

links to the athletic. Figured the article was updated?