Knicks' William Wesley: Jazz Tried to 'Rip Somebody off' in Donovan Mitchell Trade
Sep 9, 2022
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 8: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket during the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 8, 2022 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
The New York Knicks' decision to pass on acquiring All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz ultimately came down to what they felt was an exorbitant asking price.
Appearing Friday on SiriusXM Radio (h/t Marc Berman of the New York Post), Basketball Hall of Famer and NBA on TNT analyst Charles Barkley passed on what Knicks senior vice president William Wesley told him about the negotiations:
"I'm going to give you inside information. I asked why didn't you make the trade. He said, 'Oh man. Don't go by the media stuff. They wanted my wife, my kids, my grandkids. I was not going to give them … we wanted the deal obviously, but they were just trying to rip somebody off. We had to pass on it.'"
Utah ultimately dealt Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers instead, receiving Lauri Markkanen, Ochai Agbaji, Collin Sexton, three unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps in return.
Berman previously reported that Jazz president Danny Ainge initially asked the Knicks for seven first-round picks in a trade for Mitchell. It was later reported that Utah wanted wing RJ Barrett included in the deal.
As negotiations continued to stall, the Knicks decided to sign Barrett to a contract extension instead, and that move may have been the death knell to the chances of Mitchell going to New York.
Utah's reportedly high asking price may have derived from the fact that they were able to get a ton out of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the trade of All-Star center Rudy Gobert earlier in the offseason.
Despite Gobert being far older and less offensively dynamic than Mitchell, the Jazz received four first-round picks, one pick swap and five players for him.
Had the Knicks managed to acquire Mitchell without giving up Barrett, they may have had a playoff roster on their hands with Mitchell joining Barrett, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and free-agent signing Jalen Brunson.
The drawback is that New York likely would have had to part with many of its future assets, including draft picks and players like Quentin Grimes, Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley.
Even without Mitchell, the Knicks have a chance to be legitimate playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference, especially if Brunson performs close to the level he achieved with the Dallas Mavericks during last season's playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Cavs look like playoff locks and even dark-horse contenders to win the entire conference with Mitchell joining Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert and others.
As for the Jazz, they are now in a full rebuild, and they may not be done making moves, as they still have plenty of valuable veterans they could trade.
It promises to be a long road back to playoff contention for Utah, but with the king's bounty of picks it received for Mitchell and Gobert, the future looks bright.
Jeff Van Gundy Says Knicks Are 'Not Even Close to a Lock for the Play-in'
Sep 8, 2022
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 10: ESPN Analysts, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy, and Mike Breen pose for a photo before Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals on June 10, 2022 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
After the New York Knicks failed in their pursuit of Donovan Mitchell, ESPN analyst and former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy is not bullish on the team's chances next season.
"The Knicks have good players, but you line it up against the competition in the East, and this roster is not on the same level," Van Gundy told Marc Berman of the New York Post. "They could shock the world and be a playoff team, but I look at the East and I'd have to say eight to 13 is where they should be predicted. They're not even close to a lock for the play-in. A lot has to go right."
The Knicks finished 37-45 and were six games out of the play-in last season. They did get involved in the free-agent market, inking guard Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $104 million contract to fortify their backcourt.
New York hoped to add Mitchell to the fold but struck out on its nearly two-month-long pursuit of the All-Star guard when the Utah Jazz agreed to a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers last week.
Oddsmakers weren't all that impressed with the Brunson signing, with Knicks' win total currently listed at 38.5 at FanDuel Sportsbook. A one- or two-game improvement is not going to be enough to get the Knicks into the playoff picture in an increasingly deep East, so Van Gundy might be onto something with his prediction.
Celtics Icon Bill Russell's Hall of Fame Ring Could Sell for $250K at Auction
Sep 8, 2022
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 2: The Chicago Sky recognizes NBA Legend, Bill Russell before the game against the Dallas Wings on August 2, 2022 at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
The ring given to Bill Russell for his 1975 induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is up for auction.
SCP Auctions estimated the ring's value at $150,000 to $250,000.
Russell refused to accept his Hall of Fame ring for more than 40 years because he did not feel it was appropriate for him to be the first Black inductee. He held a private ceremony with family and close friends in 2019 to finally accept the ring.
In a private ceremony w/my wife & close friends A.Mourning @AnnMeyers@billwalton & others I accepted my #HOF ring. In ‘75 I refused being the 1st black player to go into the @Hoophall I felt others before me should have that honor. Good to see progress; ChuckCooperHOF19 @NBApic.twitter.com/2FI5U7ThTg
After winning nine rings as a player, Russell became the Celtics' player-coach for his final two NBA seasons and added another pair of championships. He was the first Black coach in NBA history and remains the record holder for the most titles for an NBA player (11).
A pioneer on and off the court, Russell died in July at age 88. The NBA announced plans to retire his No. 6 across the league last month.
Celtics Rumors: Carmelo Anthony 'Starting to Gain Traction,' Says Insider
Sep 5, 2022
Toronto , Canada - 22 June 2022; Carmelo Anthony, NBA All-Star & Entrepreneur, on Centre Stage during day two of Collision 2022 at Enercare Centre in Toronto, Canada. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile for Collision via Getty Images)
After veteran forward Danilo Gallinari suffered a torn ACL that likely rules him out for the 2022-23 season, the Boston Celtics have an opening for an experienced scorer off the bench. It appears the team already has a target in mind.
The Celtics reportedly are eyeing Carmelo Anthony, and Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe (h/t Real GM) noted that talks are "starting to gain some traction because Anthony may be the best shooting forward left on the market, and he has shown to be productive offensively despite his age."
The 38-year-old is a free agent after spending the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Anthony mostly came off the bench and was a solid contributor, averaging 13.3 points and 4.2 rebounds in 26 minutes while shooting 44.1 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from beyond the arc. He had 20 or more points in 11 of the 69 games he played.
The No. 3 overall pick in 2003, Anthony is still chasing the NBA championship that has eluded him throughout his nearly 20 years in the league. Joining the Celtics could give him his best chance at competing for a title as his career is winding down.
Boston reached the NBA Finals last season but lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games. The Celtics retained virtually their entire core led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. The team also added point guard Malcolm Brogdon in a trade with the Indiana Pacers this offseason.
The Celtics were hoping for Gallinari to provide some depth and veteran leadership off the bench, but his season was derailed after re-injuring his previously surgically-repaired knee while competing for Italy in a FIBA World Cup qualifier. If Boston is able to reach a deal with Anthony, he should seamlessly fit that role for the team.
NBA Rumors: Knicks Wanted to Wait Until October for RJ Barrett Contract Extension
Sep 2, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 06: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks looks on during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on April 06, 2022 in New York City. The Nets won 110-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks signed R.J. Barrett to a four-year, $120 million extension earlier this week, but the move is being viewed as a "consolation" after losing out on Donovan Mitchell, who was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Knicks wanted to wait until the mid-October deadline to sign Barrett to an extension.
"They didn’t want to pay RJ now, they like RJ but he’s not one of their guys," an NBA source told Berman "The preference was to trade him in a Donovan deal. A few weeks ago, if they got Donovan without Barrett in the deal, they weren’t going to pay RJ now."
The source also told Berman that the Knicks "had to do something" once they lost out on Mitchell, so they signed Barrett to an extension.
The Knicks offered a package of Barrett, Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson and three unprotected first-round picks to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Mitchell, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
However, the offer clearly wasn't enough for Jazz executive Danny Ainge, who dealt Mitchell to the Cavaliers in exchange for Lauri Markkanen, 2022 14th pick Ochai Agbaji, Collin Sexton, three unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps.
The Knicks selected Barrett third overall in the 2019 NBA draft out of Duke.
The decision to select him was not unanimous, according to Berman, though Knicks president Leon Rose referred to Barrett as a key piece of the team's future in a statement announcing his extension:
“We are thrilled to announce a well-deserved extension for RJ Barrett, a core piece of our team’s foundation. At only 22 years old, he has elevated his game each season, solidifying himself as a force on both ends of the court. We believe he will continue to improve because of his passion for the game and dedication to his craft. We want to continue to build our team and culture around players like RJ who possess these values and qualities.”
Barrett, who is entering his fourth season in the NBA, had a career year in 2021-22, averaging 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 70 games while shooting 40.8 percent from the floor and 34.2 percent from deep.
The Canadian has improved in each of his seasons in the league, and there's no reason to believe he can't hit another level this year. However, he's no Mitchell, and an NBA executive referred to him as the "third-best player on a contending team" while speaking with Berman.
If the Knicks have another opportunity to land a star player in the future, it seems like Barrett could be available for trade. That said, the franchise will need to be more willing to part ways with some of its first-round picks if it ever hopes to bring in a cornerstone player.
Celtics Rumors: Danilo Gallinari's Knee Injury Diagnosed as Torn ACL After Evaluation
Sep 2, 2022
Boston, MA - July 11: The Boston Celtics introduced new player Danilo Gallinari at a morning press conference at the Auerbach Center. (Photo by Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Danilo Gallinari, a key offseason acquisition of the Boston Celtics, will likely miss the 2022-23 season.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Gallinari was diagnosed with a torn ACL after undergoing a "thorough" medical analysis. The 34-year-old injured his left knee during Italy's 91-84 win over Georgia in a World Cup qualifier Aug. 27.
Charania noted the typical ACL recovery timeframe ranges from six to 12 months.
Gallinari was injured early in the fourth quarter when he received a pass on a fast break. His left knee appeared to buckle, and he was removed from the game.
"It's tough to talk about basketball after what we saw happen to Danilo," Italy captain Luigi Datome told reporters after the win. "We wish him, of course, the best."
The Italy national team announced Gallinari's injury as a torn meniscus with no ligament damage.
Gallinari suffered the same injury to the same knee in April 2013 while playing for the Denver Nuggets. He missed the remainder of the season and the 2013-14 campaign while recovering.
The Celtics signed Gallinari to a two-year, $13.3 million contract July 12. He had become a free agent after being waived by the San Antonio Spurs, who acquired him from the Atlanta Hawks in the Dejounte Murray trade.
Three days before adding Gallinari, the Celtics acquired Malcolm Brogdon from the Indiana Pacers for five players and a 2023 first-round draft pick.
Gallo was expected to add scoring punch off the bench. The forward averaged 11.7 points per game for the Hawks in 2021-22 and is a 38.2 percent shooter from three-point range in his career.
Expectations are incredibly high for the Celtics after they reached the NBA Finals last season. The loss of Gallinari will hurt, but they have built enough depth to play at a high level even without him.
NBA Insiders: New York Knicks 'Whiffed on a Softball' in Donovan Mitchell Trade Talks
Sep 2, 2022
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 20: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz smiles during the game against the New York Knicks on March 20, 2022 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Knicks had the opportunity to land a young, marketable All-Star in Donovan Mitchell who specifically wanted to go to New York, but the team passed over draft considerations.
"They whiffed on a softball," an NBA source said. "The Knicks thought they were bidding against themselves. The [Cleveland] Cavaliers beg to differ."
Per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Cavaliers and Utah Jazz agreed to a deal Thursday that includes five first-round picks (three unprotected, two swaps), Ochai Agbaji (No. 14 in June's draft), Collin Sexton (via sign-and-trade) and Lauri Markkanen. That's a substantial haul for the rebuilding Jazz, one the Knicks would have needed to pay a heavy price to beat.
"Who are they saving their picks for?" asked one player agent. "[The Knicks] don't really have the patience to build through the draft. Are they getting someone better than Donovan?"
The Knicks not only have all seven of their own first-rounders available, but the franchise also has four additional picks of varying protection from the Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards. With eight picks and three potential swaps, New York couldn't outspend the Cavaliers?
That's not to suggest New York should give everything to Utah, but the Knicks should have found a compromise with the Jazz that exceeded Cleveland's generous offer.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 06: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks looks on during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on April 06, 2022 in New York City. The Nets won 110-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Perhaps team president Leon Rose really believed no one else was in the running. For context, the Knicks used to willingly trade away draft consideration for what amounted to minimal playoff success. The franchise changed tactics when Phil Jackson took over and has stayed true to that philosophy through multiple front-office changeovers. Holding tightly to picks has led to quality players and prospects like RJ Barrett, Mitchell Robinson, Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, etc.
But that group didn't make the postseason after the Knicks' well-earned 2020-21 playoff appearance. As one of the NBA's premier franchises (by popularity), the team suffers from a lack of star power. If not Mitchell, are the Knicks banking on Kevin Durant, almost 34, revisiting his trade demand? Would the Brooklyn Nets even consider sending him to their crosstown rival for a bounty of picks and prospects?
Mitchell, 25, was a bird in the hand. And it's not like the Knicks had no interest. Wojnarowski details the negotiations and their various roadblocks over players like Barrett, Quickley and draft considerations.
"Utah wanted three unprotected first-round draft picks as part of a package," Wojnarowski wrote. "New York would only do a third first-round pick that included top-five protections."
That's the line the Knicks drew in the sand?
"New York planned to continue pursuing Mitchell," Wojnarowski continued. "But the Jazz pivoted to the Cleveland discussion and never again engaged New York in talks...Mitchell had been enthusiastic over playing for the Knicks."
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 5: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz shoots the ball during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 5, 2021 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
Agent ties can influence player movement, but Mitchell is a cautionary tale. He's represented by CAA, as are recent signings Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein, along with returning players Julius Randle and Toppin. Before joining the Knicks, Rose was also a foundational basketball agent with CAA,
Fair or not, others around the league refer to the franchise as the "CAA Knicks."
Those ties may have led to overconfidence. Or maybe it's less complicated than that. Perhaps the Knicks just honestly felt the price was too high.
All-Stars go at a market rate, and like our world, inflation is a reality. Dating back to the Anthony Davis trade from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Los Angeles Lakers to the recent Minnesota Timberwolves/Jazz blockbuster for Rudy Gobert, the price for the league's best talent has been skyrocketing.
The Knicks are among the few non-rebuilding teams with a bounty of picks. An argument can be made that New York shouldn't build around a 6'1" backcourt duo in Mitchell and Brunson. But why were the Knicks negotiating with the Jazz if they believed that was the case?
If there's good news for struggling Knicks fans, the team kept its powder dry. The team still has the means to make a transformative trade. The challenge will be finding that opportunity. Top-flight talent doesn't become available often in the NBA. When that time comes, if it comes, New York better not overplay their hand again.
Knicks Fans Heartbroken After Donovan Mitchell Gets Traded from Jazz to Cavaliers
Sep 1, 2022
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 28: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz in action during the second half of Game 6 of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 28, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Utah Jazz shooting guard Donovan Mitchell has been connected in trade rumors to the New York Knicks for months, but he'll be a Cleveland Cavalier instead after the Cavs pulled off a stunning move to land the three-time All-Star on Thursday.
Full trade: Utah is trading Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland for Lauri Markkanen, Ochair Agbaji, Collin Sexton, three unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps, sources tell ESPN.
Ultimately, the Knicks and Jazz simply weren't able to see eye to eye on the draft capital requests.
Word was New York's final, best offer for Donovan Mitchell included two unprotected first-round picks. Cleveland's ultimate package features three, plus two pick swaps that are also unprotected, sources said. Utah always made it clear they were hunting for future draft capital.
Some Knicks fans on Twitter were clearly upset that their team didn't land Mitchell, who very well could help turn the Cleveland Cavaliers into an Eastern Conference powerhouse (Warning: strong language used):
As a #Knicks fan I'm disappointed. Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland is fuckin crazy. @nyknicks just can't do 💩 right. I really don't know why I still root for this team. I truly don't. #ImGoneGoCryInTheCar
Donovan mitchell goes to cavs Not surprised..the knicks most clueless org in sports! Period! And you cant argue with that its a fact im disgusted with franchise.we signed rj grt we didnt improve at all..real knick fans will agree not clueless youngins #knicks
I’m so proud of Leon, man. He did a great job. We keep all the young guns, and have a great direction moving forward. Giving up all that for Donovan Mitchell is just a classic Knicks move that wouldn’t end well. Now time to move Randle.
Ultimately, the Knicks held on to their picks and young players, including RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley.
They may not have made the Mitchell move, and making the playoffs will be a fight in a tough, deep Eastern Conference, but the future has not been mortgaged as the Knicks give themselves more options to improve in upcoming years.
Donovan Mitchell Trade Rumors: Knicks' Quentin Grimes Could be Coveted in Talks
Sep 1, 2022
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 2: Quentin Grimes of New York Knicks warms up before the NBA match between Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks at the Madison Square Garden in New York City, United States on April 2, 2022. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
If the New York Knicks and Utah Jazz are going to remain engaged in trade talks revolving around star guard Donovan Mitchell, it seems unlikely that RJ Barrett will be in them after he signed a four-year extension with the Knicks worth up to $120 million.
That deal came with a poison pill provision that would seriously complicate the salary matching needed for a Mitchell trade. But the Knicks aren't devoid of other trade chips, and young wing Quentin Grimes could be the key to still getting a deal done, per Ian Begley of SNY:
Based on what I'd heard from people briefed on the talks, I'd expect Utah to covet Grimes in any current/future talks. Utah had sought one of Grimes, Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley in packages that included Barrett. So I'd assume that the Jazz would want at least two of those players in any deal moving forward. The sticking point will probably be Grimes and the value of the first-round picks New York is willing to include. In prior talks, the Jazz wanted New York to increase its offer of two unprotected picks in various packages discussed.
Grimes, 22, appeared in 46 games for the Knicks last season after being the No. 25 overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2021 NBA draft—he was traded to New York in a draft-night swap—averaging six points, two rebounds and an assist in 17.1 minutes per game.
Injuries and a bout with COVID-19 limited his overall game time, however.
But Grimes impressed during this offseason's summer league, averaging 22.6 points per game, and marked himself as a key part of New York's future. Or, potentially, Utah's future if he's one of the headliners in a Mitchell deal.
Whether Utah and New York can find a middle ground in negotiations remains to be seen. Per Begley: "The Knicks had been unwilling to meet Utah’s high asking price (picks and players) in any packages that didn't include Barrett. Will that change now that Barrett is off the table? It's more likely that the Knicks engage a third team that can send draft compensation to Utah."
The Jazz aren't being forced to trade Mitchell, of course, but after dealing away Rudy Gobert and Patrick Beverley, they appear to be in a full rebuilding mode. That would make moving on from Mitchell a logical next step. Stars in their prime generally avoid being around for the rebuild.
The Knicks, meanwhile, could trot out a starting five of Jalen Brunson, Mitchell, Barrett, Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson if they swung a deal with Utah. That lineup wouldn't be perfect—there would be some questions about how the team's perimeter defense would hold up, and floor spacing might be an issue—but the talent would be indisputable.
Landing the sort of star player the Knicks have lacked since the Carmelo Anthony days, however, may require a major haul of draft picks. While players like Grimes, Toppin and Quickley offer potential, the Jazz will likely want the future flexibility and pulls of the draft lottery slot machine that future picks provide.
For Grimes, a move to Utah would likely offer more playing time on a young, rebuilding team than he would get in a reserve role for the Knicks. But it's a moot point if the two sides can't come to terms on the draft compensation being exchanged.
NBA Exec on Kevin Durant Trade: Nets Star 'Has Proven He Will Burn Your House Down'
Aug 25, 2022
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Kevin Durant of Brooklyn Nets warms up before NBA playoffs between Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn of New York City, United States on April 25, 2022. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Kevin Durant may be a generational superstar, but one NBA front office member has suggested there could be concerns over his personality.
The NBA executive told Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today that Durant's history of unceremoniously leaving teams led to a tepid trade market for the Brooklyn Nets.
"Teams don’t want to overpay for someone who has proven he will burn your house down," the exec said.
Durant previously exited the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors franchises in an attempt to find his NBA Valhalla, but he did so both times within the generally accepted confines of free agency. The Brooklyn Nets were his first chosen destination that didn't already have a record-setting regular season baked in; it was his chance to carve out a legacy in the country's biggest city.
It took Durant three years to want out of that situation as well.
While the Nets were able to paper things over enough for Durant to return for the 2022-23 season, it's easy to see why teams would have some level of hesitation. If Durant was willing to demand a trade less than a year after signing a four-year extension, there was nothing stopping him from doing the same thing to them—after they'd already given up the assets necessary to acquire the 12-time All-Star.
James Harden just requested two trades in the span of 13 months; it isn't an unreasonable concern.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the best offer the Nets received for Durant was Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and a future first-round pick. While Brown was the second-best player on an NBA Finals team last season, he's also a 26-year-old one-time All-Star. White is a solid-but-fungible role player. One first-round pick is arguably an insult in an era where the Utah Jazz got four for Rudy Gobert.
The Nets and Durant may publicly say all the right things moving forward, but KD is back in Brooklyn next season in large part because no one wanted him enough to make a palatable trade offer.
