It was a bombshell announcement when Kevin Durant said he wanted to be traded from the Brooklyn Nets today. We are trying to figure out where he will end up. Many teams are interested in him, especially with four years left on his contract, but it is not clear yet which one will be able to land him. One thing is for sure – this will be one of the most exciting NBA seasons in recent memory! So without further ado, the top trades that NBA teams could offer to land KD.
Miami Heat
Trade offer: Kyle Lowry, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jovic, 2024 FRP, 2024 SRP, 2025 FRP, 2026 FRP
The Miami Heat came one game short of making the NBA finals this year. Adding a guy like Kevin Durant to their squad would ensure that doesn’t happen again. Kevin Durant is no stranger to the NBA finals, making four and winning two. Durant’s past of joining teams that can win a championship will continue, especially as he is 33 years old and has fewer chances to add another ring to his collection. Miami offers him another opportunity at glory, pairing him up with superstars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
This team could be scary if this trade goes through. The Nets get a large haul from Miami in this deal, centered around the sixth man of the year, Tyler Herro. They also get veteran point guard Kyle Lowry, three-point specialist Duncan Robinson, and recently drafted Nikola Jovic. Not to mention the draft capital Miami would give.
Phoenix Suns
Trade offer: DeAndre Ayton (sign-and-trade), Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson 2023 FRP, 2023 SRP, 2024 FRP
The Suns had the highest expectation before the NBA playoffs this past season. They instantly got the injury bug with star, Devin Booker, suffering a grade-one hamstring strain that had him sit out most of the first round. While the Suns beat the Pelicans, they couldn’t say the same about the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs are a pretty one-dimensional team where most of the scoring comes from superstar Luka Doncic, but the Suns allowed him and breakout player, Jalen Brunson, to torch them in game seven.
With Kevin Durant on this squad, they will have nothing to fear, pairing him with the veteran point guard Chris Paul and Devin Booker. The Nets could build around Ayton and Bridges, as they are both young guys who are terrific on both ends of the floor.
Chicago Bulls
Trade offer: Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, 2023 FRP (Lottery Protected Via POR)
Pairing Kevin Durant with Demar Derozan, with the plethora of talent around them, would be lethal. Lonzo Ball, and Nikola Vucevic, to name a few. This team would work well together, and the Bulls are all-in right now to compete, so trading a young, high-potential guy like Patrick Williams is exactly what they need to do to secure a big-name superstar like Kevin Durant. Zach LaVine is the sugar of this deal as he is a superstar in his own right, which may be what the Nets are looking for in a KD trade.
New York Knicks
Trade offer: Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, Mitchell Robinson, Quentin Grimes, Miles McBride, 2023 FRP, 2023 FRP (Via DET), 2023 FRP (Via WAS)
The knicks always seem to be involved when a big-name player is available, and it makes sense. New York is one of the top destinations for players. If Kevin Durant wants to stay in the big apple he could do so with the New York Knicks. Knicks would be giving up practically everyone besides R.J. Barrett, which may seem like a lot for some. Still, you cannot pass up on a trade for a generational talent like Durant, no matter what, and they would be keeping their future alive with Barrett still on the squad.
For the Nets, this trade makes sense because they get three first-round picks in next year’s draft which they could use to draft for their future. They get three young studs in Quickley, Grimes, and McBride, and a great center in Robinson. Maybe they can even turn Randle back into the player he was two seasons ago when he won the most improved player award.
Utah Jazz
Trade offer: Donovan Mitchell, Jordan Clarkson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Mike Conley, 2023 FRP, 2025 FRP
The Utah Jazz severely needs an upgrade. Their team’s chemistry has fallen apart throughout the last couple of seasons, and Donovon Mitchell has been vocal that he needs a change of scenery. The Nets land a young, proven superstar in Mitchell while securing draft capital and other role players that can help the team on both ends.
Pairing Durant with Gobert would be almost impossible to go up against as they are both seven-footers that complement each other’s game well. Durant is an offensive phenom, while Gobert is a defensive monster and having that on the same team is scary for any team they go against.
So, where will Durant end up? It’s hard to say. The Suns are a strong possibility but don’t discount the Heat just yet. One thing is for sure – wherever he goes, it will be one of the most-watched moves in the history of the NBA. We want to hear your thoughts! Let us know where you think KD will go in the comments below.
