Kevin Durant should have never left the Warriors, but that is in the past, and in the future, he will be playing for a new team for the 2022-23 season.
Here are some of the best scenarios.
Memphis receives: Kevin Durant.
Brooklyn receives: Jaren Jackson Jr., Dillon Brooks, Xavier Tillman, their own unprotected first-round picks in 2024 and 2026, plus a top-four protected first-round selection via Golden State in 2024.
New Orleans receives: Durant.
Brooklyn receives: Zion Williamson, Jonas Valanciunas, Devonte’ Graham, Garrett Temple, the Lakers’ first-round pick in 2024 and Milwaukee’s first-round pick in 2027.
Toronto receives: Durant.
Brooklyn receives: Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., 2027 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick swap, 2029 first-round pick.
Phoenix receives: Durant.
Brooklyn receives: Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, 2024 first-round pick, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, and probably some swaps.
The Lakers are also in the mix.
Even though being traded to the Lakers wouldn’t help KD’s legacy because he will be teaming up with LeBron. He would have the same issues with the Warriors even if they won a ring.
The Lakers would absolutely have to send Anthony Davis back in this trade, no question about it. It is not even physically possible to do this deal without AD or LeBron James being involved and the Nets are not going to take one year of an old LeBron.
The Lakers can now trade up to their 2029 first-round pick, which gives them another weapon in their arsenal to get this done. Even though the Lakers are trading Anthony Davis back to the Nets in this trade, they would still likely have to trade the picks as they would not only be freeing up Russell Westbrook’s contract, but would be getting one of the best players on the planet in Kevin Durant.
The Lakers would still get a first-round pick in 2028, the Nets would just have the right to swap the picks if the Lakers had a better pick.
For the Nets, this could be worth it if ownership is trying to stay relevant. How Russell Westbrook fits into this is unclear as the team could just look to buy him out. However, the Nets could convince themselves that they are building something around Anthony Davis and Ben Simmons, which might be better than simply taking on youth and a boatload of picks.
What would you do?
Flip the pages for Kevin Durant, addressing him asking for a trade for the first time on social media.