Durant Doubles Down

08/09/2022 Durant Doubles Down

By: Jeff Yoder

Kevin Durant Tells Nets Owner to Trade Him or Fire Steve Nash and Sean Marks

Kevin Durant made his bed in Brooklyn back in 2019, and now he’s laying in it. The Nets have failed to live up to expectations last season despite boasting an all-time Big 3 of Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden. Durant requested a trade in June, then went quiet. On Monday, reports surfaced that Durant gave team owner Joe Tsai an ultimatum — to trade him or fire head coach Steve Nash and GM Sean Marks. Tsai backed the Nets brass, which means KD remains in limbo.

 

What Happens Next?

More of the same, likely. The Nets’ asking price for Durant was too pricey for just about anyone in the league. The Celtics made a run at him a few weeks ago, but the Nets declined. At 33 years old, Durant is still as dangerous as any player in the NBA. He has four years and nearly $200 million left on his current deal.

 

Kevin Durant’s 2021-22 Season Stats

29.9 PPG | 7.4 RPG | 6.4 APG | 51% FG

 

Additional Storylines

The Athletic: Why Kevin Durant’s Trade Ultimatum Raises More Questions Than Answers

NY Post: Kevin Durant’s Demands Leave Nets Looking Like NBA Joke Once Again

SI: Three Teams Seen as Frontrunners for Kevin Durant Trade, Per Report

 

Photo: Sarah Stier / Getty Images