The Brooklyn Nets fired Steve Nash earlier this month and suspended Kyrie Irving at least five games for promoting anti-Semitism, and now it may be time to trade Kevin Durant, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
“It’s something league executives are talking about and really the Nets front office needs to start thinking about,” Windhorst said.
“And this could be a nuclear option to start an attack on this roster this season.”
According to a few NBA betting sites, the Nets have the sixth-best odds to win the championship in 2023. Find out which sportsbooks are showing the highest odds for the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Kevin Durant has informed the Nets that he plans to request a trade. pic.twitter.com/9JFYWIB6wg
— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) November 10, 2022
“They owe the next four draft picks primarily to the Houston Rockets.” Brian Windhorst continued. “This year’s photo exchange, [Brooklyn’s] An unexpected pick the next year, a switch in two years, and their choice in three years. But out of the four, this year is interesting.
The Nets are 5-7 through 12 games this season and are 10th overall in the Eastern Conference. Nash was fired after a 2-5 start. On Wednesday, Brooklyn won its first game under coach Jacques Vaughn.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes the time may be right for the Nets to trade Kevin Durant.
Before the season, sportsbooks projected the Nets to win a total of 50.5. Although, similar to last season, Brooklyn is disappointing a few bettors. Durant continues to carry this team.
The two-time Finals MVP is averaging 30.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game this season. Durant also shot 51.9% from the field and 32.2% from 3-point range.
“If this Nets team isn’t going to bounce back, if Kyrie Irving can’t satisfy the Nets and bring it back, if Ben Simmons’ energy and back issues prevent him from making an impact, maybe they should see what happens if they use the pick this year because the Houston Rockets are one of the worst teams in the league.” They are,” continued Brian Windhorst.
Brian Windhorst:
“[Kevin] Durant’s price is so high that no one can afford it… Now everyone is waiting for the price to drop.” pic.twitter.com/br7QNZq7St
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 21, 2022
Through eight games this season, Simmons is averaging career lows of 5.6 points, 6.4 boards, 6.3 assists and 1.3 steals. Not to mention, he’s averaging a career-worst 2.4 field goals per game.
However, the Nets may give him another month. With front office assistant coach Vaughn promoted to head coach, GM Sean Marks will wait to see if the team can bounce back under new leadership.
Sure, the Nets had plenty of opportunities to trade Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving during the offseason, but the front office held teams back. Durant’s trade value is still high. Meanwhile, Irving’s price is at an all-time low.
The Nets will almost certainly trade the 12-time All-Star. It’s a matter of when, not if. Brooklyn has lost team chemistry from the get-go. So, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst may be on to something.