When it comes to the NBA news cycle, the information seldom lingers on what happens on the court. The destruction of the Brooklyn Nets‘ attempt at a super team seems imminent.
During last season, the Nets dealt James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers and had to deal with Kyrie Irving’s battles with the city of New York and the NBA over his vacation status.
Nets in the Offseason
This offseason, all of the news surrounding the Nets has been around a Kevin Durant trade. A franchise hoping to head toward a potential dynasty two offseasons ago now seems on the brink of heading toward disaster.
How this can be turned around remains a difficult process for Nets General Manager Steve Marks to sort out.
2022 NBA Controversies
All of the controversies have seen the Nets’ NBA odds shrink. After being one of the teams favored to win the NBA title last season, Brooklyn is now +2800.
Here’s a look at a trade for Durant offered by the Minnesota Timberwolves and five other trade options for Brooklyn.
Timberwolves Interested in Durant
When the Timberwolves came around asking about dealing for Durant, the Nets set the market for the 12-time All-Star.
If Minnesota wanted Durant, it would involve the Minnesota Timberwolves trading Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and four first-round picks to the Nets. This was a price Minnesota couldn’t afford to pay.
The Timberwolves, who pushed Memphis to seven games in the first round last year, couldn’t afford to give up Towns and Edwards, who combined to score 45.9 points per game last season.
NBA stats also show Towns nearly averaged a double-double, finishing with 9.8 rebounds per game. There aren’t many NBA teams in the league’s history that would have considered such a deal.
Top 5 Possible Trades for Durant
Brooklyn Nets: Durant May Stay
Brooklyn could try to make other moves to make Durant stay. The franchise has already proven, by initially acquiring Irving and Harden, that they are committed to building around Durant.
Brooklyn is hungry for a championship, which it has never achieved in franchise history. If the Nets could find another buyer for Irving, maybe they would be able to bring back some players to appease the star forward.
While it is unknown if Durant would be willing to sit out instead of returning to Brooklyn, the best course of action may be trying to convince him to stay.
Miami Heat: Is Pat Riley Looking for a Star?
Pat Riley always seems to find himself in a position to bring superstars to town. NBA team stats show Riley’s best teams since he’s been in South Beach have been ones where he’s been able to lure a superstar veteran to Miami. Bringing in:
- Shaquille O’Neal
- Chris Bosh
- LeBron James
Have all helped the Heat become one of the league’s true powerhouses.
Durant also mentioned Miami is one of the places he’d rather go. The Heat have the draft picks available in future drafts and a bunch of supporting players who could step in and help Brooklyn right away, like:
- Duncan Robinson
- Kyle Lowry
- Tyler Herro
Bam Adebayo is another player who could be included, but reports indicate Durant would prefer to play with Adebayo if he is traded there.
Phoenix Suns: Looking the Title for the Franchise’s
The Phoenix Suns, who lost in the NBA Finals two seasons ago and had the NBA’s best record last season, are also an option Durant prefers.
Anyone making NBA picks, however, will find the Suns may have difficulty parting with what Brooklyn needs.
- Cam Johnson
- Mikal Bridges
- Dario Saric
Would have to be involved.
The Suns would also need to add more draft picks, as well as pick swaps, to sweeten the deal. Durant would like to play with Devin Booker, so Phoenix Suns may be desperate enough to mortgage the future to get over the hump and win the franchise’s first title.
Memphis Grizzlies: Young Superstar
The Grizzlies were the darlings of the Western Conference last playoff season. Memphis had an energetic, young team that seems primed for a big future. If the Grizzlies are willing to part with draft picks and a few key players, they may be able to get in on the Durant action as well.
While young superstar Ja Morant is off the table, Memphis could offer a package with:
- Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Desmond Bane
- Kennedy Chandler
- David Roddy
Bane took a big step forward last season, raising his scoring from 9.2 points to 18.2 points per game.
Portland Trail Blazers: Oden Was Not the Best Option
In the 2007 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers selected Ohio State big man Greg Oden over Durant. While Durant has gone on to become a two-time NBA champion, Oden struggled with injuries and finished his career with 840 points and 656 rebounds. Portland doesn’t have as much to offer in the way of star players.
The Portland Trail Blazers would be looking offer Shaedon Sharpe, who was Portland’s first-round pick in this year’s draft, along with Anfernee Simons.
In addition, Portland could offer a package of draft picks that would allow Brooklyn to get some high selections over the next few seasons.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.