The Boston Celtics have apparently gotten involved in the trade talks about Kevin Durant, and there is even said to be an initial offer. Jayson Tatum is said to be unavailable from the Celtics. But a deal is not imminent.
This is reported by Adrian Wojnarowski (ESPN). Shams Charania von The Athletic meanwhile confirmed the report, according to his information, Boston has already put an offer for Durant around Jaylen Brown on the table. The Celtics are now a “real threat” in Durant poker.
The offer reportedly included Brown, Derrick White and a draft pick, Shams said. However, the Nets reportedly declined, instead asking for Brown, Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, draft picks and possibly an additional rotation player. The Celtics are currently not willing to give up Smart and other players or picks, but the franchise is now advising on the next steps in the trade talks.
Boston apparently sees KD as the final piece in the puzzle to win championship number 18 and is said to have “tremendous interest”. However, as Woj previously reported, Boston is no closer to a KD trade than other teams currently in talks with Brooklyn. The fact that Boston could possibly offer All-Star Brown in one package makes the franchise a “considerable” prospect.
As Woj reports, Boston is in regular contact with the Brooklyn Nets, and the Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors are still considered interested. However, there is currently no deal for Durant close to completion, and the Nets are said to have received no offer that meets their demands. Brooklyn continues to call for multiple unprotected first-round picks, pick swaps, and promising players. A trade by franchise star Jayson Tatum is apparently out of the question for the Celtics.
Kevin Durant will probably stick to his trade request
At the end of June, Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, probably preferring a move to the Suns or Heat. With the 33-year-old still under contract for four years and $198 million, Brooklyn has no time pressure to thread a deal and can continue to insist on tremendous value. According to Shams, however, Durant has not yet deviated from his trade request.
Boston defeated the Nets 4-0 in the first round of the playoffs last season and went on to advance to the Finals. There, Tatum, Brown and Co. were beaten by the Golden State Warriors in six games. The team’s young core was built in part thanks to the Nets draft picks, who traded to Boston in 2013 for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.
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