Jayson Tatum Says Kevin Durant Trade Is Brad Stevens' 'Decision and That's His Job'
Aug 8, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 26: Jayson Tatum attends "NYC Point Gods" premiere at Midnight Theatre on July 26, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
Jayson Tatum has heard the rumors that President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens has been cooking up trade offers for Kevin Durant.
The Boston Celtics star is staying out of it.
"The cool part about his job is Brad don't tell me how to do my job anymore. You not the coach," Tatum told Jared Weiss of The Athletic. "He lets me do my thing. I let him do his thing. In all honesty, that's his decision and that's his job."
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the Celtics offered Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and a draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Durant, who requested a trade in June. The Nets countered by asking for Brown, Marcus Smart and multiple future draft picks, an offer Boston declined.
Durant trade negotiations have moved at a glacial pace, as Brooklyn seeks to reap a historic trade haul for the 12-time All-Star. It's unclear if the Celtics—or any team, for that matter—remain active in talks with the Nets. Mum has been the word as the status quo moves forward during what is typically a quiet period in the NBA.
Stevens is heading into his second season running the Celtics' basketball operations. His first year was an unequivocal success, with Boston making its first Finals run in more than a decade and first-year coach Ime Udoka appearing to be the real deal.
The Celtics have already been active this offseason in improving the roster, trading for Malcolm Brogdon and signing Danilo Gallinari. It's arguable they're already the favorites to repeat as Eastern Conference champions.
That said, if Stevens learned anything from predecessor Danny Ainge, it's to never stay stagnant and assume the same results will follow. Exploring a trade for Durant—even if it means giving up Brown—is smart business. They're two players on completely different stratospheres; Durant raises the ceiling on title contention.
If Stevens is unable to pull off a Durant deal, however, it's fair to wonder how the rumors will impact Brown's relationship with the franchise. The 25-year-old has already seen his name bandied about in talks for Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis and now Durant. At some point, there's likely going to be a period where Brown gets tired of the rumors and wants to take his future into his own hands.
Suffice it to say the rest of this summer will involve navigating those precarious waters.
Celtics' Jayson Tatum on Offseason Trade Rumors: 'Just Control What You Can Control'
Aug 6, 2022
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during Game 6 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, Thursday, June 16, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
The Boston Celtics were two wins away from earning their first NBA championship since 2008, but trade rumors still persisted this offseason with Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic notably reporting that the C's offered a package centered around Jaylen Brown to the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant.
Trade rumors seemingly follow most big-name players at some point or another, and Celtics star Jayson Tatum is no exception.
Justin Quinn of Celtics Wire sat down with C's star Jayson Tatum to discuss a number of topics, including trade rumors in general.
"How do you feel if you ever see your name in a trade rumor?" Quinn asked. "Is that something you think of as a compliment? Does it ever get annoying? How do you deal with that?"
Tatum responded as follows:
"That’s the world we live in, right? It always comes from an anonymous source. But it always makes ESPN or Twitter or whatever, and everybody sees it. So you never know what is true and what’s not true, but it gets people to talk about it, and I guess that’s the idea. They got what they wanted out of the deal, for people to talk about it and make speculations. If you pay attention to everything you see on Twitter or TV, you drive yourself crazy. I think that’s just something that you have to learn just to keep your own sanity and your own peace.
"They will literally say anything, and some of it might be true, and there are other things that just couldn’t be further from the truth. But, the average fan at home doesn’t know the difference, and they just might believe whatever they see. And it doesn’t help that people on the sports talk shows are talking about it every day and we don’t know who said it, so just control what you can control. That’s what I always live by."
It was an enlightening response on trade rumors from a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player's perspective.
It's something he's used to. A quick look at HoopsHype shows a litany of rumors and trade talk Tatum has been involved in during past years.
Ultimately, those are things Tatum personally shouldn't have to worry about anytime soon after leading the C's to the Eastern Conference title. He's also currently signed through 2025, with a player option for 2025-26.
His co-star in Brown may have found himself in KD talks, although nothing ever materialized. However, longtime Boston and ESPN NBA columnist Jackie MacMullan said on NBC Sports Boston's Early Edition (h/t Darren Hartwell of NBC Sports Boston) that the team isn't "actively trying to trade Jaylen Brown."
"The Celtics aren't actively trying to trade Jaylen Brown. One of the generational players, Kevin Durant, is available. You'd be a fool not to investigate it. [President of basketball operations] Brad Stevens isn't doing his job if he doesn't investigate it."
For now, Tatum and Brown are leading a Celtics team with championship prospects in 2022-23 with training camp one month away and the regular season starting on Oct. 19.
Celtics' Jayson Tatum Says Shoulder Injury 'Feels a Lot Better' After Resting
Aug 6, 2022
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum
said he's well down the road to recovery from the shoulder injury he dealt with during the
latter stages of the 2022 NBA playoffs.
Tatum, who suffered the injury during
the Eastern Conference Finals and played through it in the team's
loss to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, provided an
update Thursday to Justin Quinn of CelticsWire on the Celtics Lab
podcast.
"Yeah, it feels a lot better," Tatum said. "It got
a lot of time to rest that it needed. So, it definitely felt a lot
better."
The injury didn't appear to hurt
Tatum's shooting stroke as he knocked down 20 of his 44 three-point
attempts (45.5 percent) in the Finals, but it was a bigger issue
while dealing with contact as he made just 24 of his 76 two-point
shots (31.6 percent) against the Warriors.
After the Celtics' season-ending loss
in Game 6, the three-time All-Star said he planned to recover through
standard rest and recovery.
"No, I don't think [I'll need
surgery]," Tatum told reporters.
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old Duke product told Quinn his main
focus throughout the summer is making sure his body is prepared for
another campaign after a short offseason following the team's deep
playoff run.
"Always first and foremost taking
care of my body, in the weight room working on my legs and making
sure my core [is good]," Tatum said. "Changing my diet, trying to
eat better. The basketball stuff is easier to figure out; I've been
doing it so long. I think your body is what keeps you up here."
The All-NBA first-team selection
averaged 26.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 3.0 threes across
76 appearances during the 2021-22 regular season. He finished sixth
in MVP voting.
Despite the Celtics' success, there
have been rumors about a potential blockbuster trade that could bring
Kevin Durant to Boston, which could see the departure of longtime
teammate Jaylen Brown.
Tatum explained to Quinn the best thing
to do is avoid all the speculation when possible, saying it's
important to "learn just to keep your own sanity and your own
peace."
"That's the world we live in, right?
It always comes from an anonymous source. But it always makes ESPN or
Twitter or whatever, and everybody sees it," he said. "So you
never know what is true and what's not true, but it gets people to
talk about it, and I guess that's the idea."
So far there's been no indication a
Durant deal is actually close, so there's a strong chance the Celtics
run it back with mostly the same core next season.
And it sounds like Tatum will be all
systems go when the campaign tips off in October.
Enes Kanter Freedom: 'I Did Not Receive One Single Offer' During NBA Free Agency
Aug 1, 2022
Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter Freedom looks toward the team's bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in Boston. The Boston Celtics center changed his name from Enes Kanter to Enes Kanter Freedom in celebration of him officially becoming a United States citizen Monday. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Free-agent center Enes Kanter Freedom is still awaiting a phone call from an NBA team that will pave the way for his return to the league.
In an interview with Israeli outlet Walla (h/t Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops), Freedom claimed he's being frozen out because of his social activism, saying he hasn't received any offers from a team yet because of comments he's made about the league and its players' relationship with China.
Earlier in the offseason, Freedom told TMZ Sports he thought the NBA is "pushing me to retire at the age of 30, unfortunately."
The former Boston Celtics big man has been an outspoken critic of the Chinese regime and its human rights abuses against members of the Uyghur community. He hasn't hesitated from calling out the NBA or some of the league's top stars for their commercial ties to China:
There is a reason why #China is a huge trade partner for countries. They have ZERO work laws when it comes to labor. ZERO requirements when it comes to product. The people that make every product that the #NBA commissioner Adam Silver spoke about are damn near SLAVES..
Freedom made 35 appearances for the Celtics in 2021-22 before getting traded to the Houston Rockets, who promptly waived him.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed Freedom in an interview with the New York Times' Sopan Deb in March.
"We spoke directly about his activities this season, and I made it absolutely clear to him that it was completely within his right to speak out on issues that he was passionate about," Silver said.
Michael Jordan: Bill Russell 'Paved the Way' for Every Black NBA Player
Jul 31, 2022
OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 13: Basketball greats Michael Jordan (L) and Bill Russell (R) greet each other prior to the announcement that Washington, DC, home of the Wizards, will host the 2001 All-Star Game, in Oakland, California, 13 February, 2000. Jordan is president of the Wizards' basketball operations and paart owner. (Photo credit should read ANDY KUNO/AFP via Getty Images)
NBA Hall of Famer and Charlotte Hornets chairman Michael Jordan paid his respects to the legendary Bill Russell on Sunday following his death at the age of 88.
A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/RdYcnuCrmb
This is a tremendous loss for the entire basketball world. Cookie and I are praying for the Bill’s family and loved ones, our NBA family, and the entire basketball community. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/kJvF5uBZFI
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022
Unapologetically himself at all times!! The ultimate leader and just happened to be one of the best hoopers ever! RIP Mr Russell, you will be dearly missed 🙏🏾🕊 pic.twitter.com/30xXhoGXsj
Rest In Peace 🕊thank you for paving the way and inspiring so many Today is a sad day but also great day to celebrate his legacy and what he stood for 💚 pic.twitter.com/kvDaIsjpGG
Russell's accolades were immense. He was a 12-time All-Star, five-time MVP and two-time first-team All-NBA selection, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975 (as a player) and 2021 (as a coach).
His battles with fellow center Wilt Chamberlain were the stuff of legend, and while Chamberlain was a statistical marvel (and four-time MVP himself), he only managed to secure two titles during his career.
But Russell was also a pioneer and civil rights activist who faced routine racism during his playing career. He was the first Black head coach not only in NBA history but also in the history of United States professional team sports, period.
"I remember at the press conference, probably the second or third question one of the Boston reporters asked me, 'Can you coach the white guys without being prejudiced?'" he recounted to the New York Times' George Vecsey in 2011 about being appointed head coach of the Celtics in 1966. "Now, I didn't recall anybody asking a white coach if he could coach the black guys without being prejudiced. All I said was, 'Yeah.'"
His basketball resume and work in the civil rights movement earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, as awarded by President Barack Obama.
"Bill Russell, the man, is someone who stood up for the rights and dignity of all men," President Obama said at that ceremony. "He marched with [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.]. He stood by [Muhammad] Ali. When a restaurant refused to serve the Black Celtics, he refused to play in the scheduled game. He endured insults and vandalism, but he kept on focusing on making the teammates who he loved better players and made possible the success of so many who would follow."
At a time when so many people actively rooted for him to fail, he not only stood firmly for what he believed in but also won more titles than all but two NBA franchises (the Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers).
There simply was no stopping Bill Russell.
NBA World Pays Tribute to Bill Russell After Celtics Legend's Death
Jul 31, 2022
PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 14: NBA legend Bill Russell sits courtside at NBA All-Star Saturday Night, part of 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend at US Airways Center on February 14, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Few people in American history, both inside and outside of the sports world, made as meaningful of an impact and left as lasting of an impression as Bill Russell did.
It comes as no surprise, then, that so many members of the NBA family paid tribute to the legend after his family announced Sunday he had died at the age of 88:
A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. pic.twitter.com/RdYcnuCrmb
This is a tremendous loss for the entire basketball world. Cookie and I are praying for the Bill’s family and loved ones, our NBA family, and the entire basketball community. 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/kJvF5uBZFI
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022
Rest In Peace 🕊thank you for paving the way and inspiring so many Today is a sad day but also great day to celebrate his legacy and what he stood for 💚 pic.twitter.com/kvDaIsjpGG
This is a teary-eyed Sunday knowing that we lost a legendary human being @RealBillRussell His dedication to civil-rights, human-rights and the sport of basketball puts him beyond legendary status. That smile will be missed. pic.twitter.com/fmZSmFVkqp
Unapologetically himself at all times!! The ultimate leader and just happened to be one of the best hoopers ever! RIP Mr Russell, you will be dearly missed 🙏🏾🕊 pic.twitter.com/30xXhoGXsj
Russell is synonymous with winning, taking home 11 championships in his 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics. No player in NBA history has won as many rings as he did, and he did so as a five-time MVP, 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA selection who was the focal point for his team and opposing defenses.
He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and remains one of the greatest players in the storied history of the Celtics.
The franchise honored him Sunday:
Bill was a champion unlike any other in the history of team sports - an 11-time NBA champion, including winning eight consecutive titles, a five-time MVP, an Olympic Gold Medalist and the NBA’s first Black head coach. (2/4)
Russell would have been an all-time great as just a player with the accolades he accumulated, but he was also a player-coach for Boston before coaching the Seattle SuperSonics and Sacramento Kings.
He is a Hall of Famer as a player and coach and was the first Black head coach in NBA history. Two of his rings came when he was a player-coach for the Celtics.
However, Russell's biggest impact may have came off the court. He was a notable civil rights activist even in the face of racism as a prominent Black athlete, which his family's announcement highlighted:
"But for all the winning, Bill's understanding of the struggle is what illuminated his life. From boycotting a 1961 exhibition game to unmask too-long-tolerated discrimination, to leading Mississippi's first integrated basketball camp in the combustible wake of Medgar Evans' assassination, to decades of activism ultimately recognized by his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010, Bill called out injustice with an unforgiving candor that he intended would disrupt the status quo, and with a powerful example that, though never his humble intention, will forever inspire teamwork, selflessness and thoughtful change."
Former President Barack Obama is the one who awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and he reflected on Russell's legacy as well:
Today, we lost a giant.
As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher—both as a player and as a person.
For decades, Bill endured insults and vandalism, but never let it stop him from speaking up for what’s right. I learned so much from the way he played, the way he coached, and the way he lived his life.
Michelle and I send our love to Bill’s family, and everyone who admired him.
Russell will forever be a legend both inside and outside of the NBA, which the reaction to his death further proved.
Bill Russell Dies at Age 88; Hall of Famer Won 11 NBA Titles with Celtics
Jul 31, 2022
FILE - In this April 9, 2014, file photo, Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Russell takes part in the "Sports and Race: Leveling the Playing Field" panel during the Civil Rights Summit in Austin, Texas. Russell has been released from a Seattle hospital after an overnight stay for an unknown condition. Russell confirmed on Twitter Saturday, May 19, 2018, that he went to the hospital late Friday but does not say why. (AP Photo/Jack Plunkett, File)
NBA legend Bill Russell died Sunday, according to his family. He was 88.
In his NBA career, Russell was peerless when it came to winning titles. He won 11 in his 13 professional seasons (1956-69) with the Boston Celtics, which is the most in NBA history among players. He also made 12 trips to the All-Star Game, won five MVP awards and was twice named a first-team All-NBA selection. In 1975, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
He averaged 15.1 points and 22.5 rebounds per game over the course of his career, solidifying himself as one of the most dominant centers of all time. In 1996, Russell was voted one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history.
During his era, Russell and Wilt Chamberlain battled for supremacy on the interior. Chamberlain was statistically superior (30.1 PPG, 22.9 RPG in his career) and arguably more dominant on an individual basis.
"People say it was the greatest individual rivalry they've ever seen," Russell said in the 1990s, per basketball writer Bob Ryan. "I agree with that. I have to laugh today. I'll turn on the TV and see the Knicks play the Lakers, and half the time Patrick [Ewing] isn't even guarding Shaq [O'Neal], and vice-versa. Let me assure you that if either Wilt's or Russ' coach had ever told one of them he couldn't guard the other guy, he would have lost that player forever!"
Even head to head, Chamberlain was productive, averaging an incredible 28.7 points and 28.7 rebounds per game in his matchups against Russell. The Celtics legend, meanwhile, averaged 14.5 points and 23.7 rebounds per game in those duels, but Russell often had the last laugh, winning nine more titles than Chamberlain and holding an 85-57 record in the head-to-head matchups.
Of course, Russell had plenty of help along the way. During his NBA career with the Boston Celtics, he was paired with a slew of Hall of Famers, including head coach Red Auerbach and players Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Bill Sharman, Clyde Lovellette, Frank Ramsey, Tom Sanders, Arnie Risen, Bailey Howell and Andy Phillip.
Russell then took over as the team's head coach in the 1966-67 season and served as a player-coach for three seasons, winning two of his titles in that split role. He was the first Black head coach in NBA history and the first Black coach of any North American professional sports team.
After retiring from playing, Russell served as the head coach of the Seattle Supersonics (1973-77) and the Sacramento Kings (1987-88), reaching the playoffs twice with the Sonics. He never had the same success as a coach that he enjoyed in his playing career with the Celtics, however.
He also served as a basketball broadcaster for a time, working for both ABC and CBS Sports during the '70s and '80s, though he was never completely comfortable in the role.
"The most successful television is done in eight-second thoughts, and the things I know about basketball, motivation and people go deeper than that," he told the Sacramento Bee.
But Russell also made a huge impact off the court as a civil rights activist, often facing racism from fans and establishments as did other Black players of the time. In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, highlighting the historical precedent Russell set by breaking the coaching color barrier among his many other achievements.
"Bill has always had the consciousness and intellect to understand what freedom and equality and justice meant for all people," NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown said of Russell in 2013, per John Hareas of NBA.com. "He's always represented all people, not by color or race or gender or anything but by the rights of people."
"Bill Russell is a difference-maker," fellow Hall of Famer Bob Lanier added. "He, Brown, Arthur Ashe were the guys during that era who were celebrities and used their celebrity to the greatest good to try to define equality among mankind. They were very much leaders in that."
Russell will be remembered as one of the greatest Celtics of all time, one of the greatest NBA players of all time and one of the most successful athletes in U.S. history. But he'll also be remembered as a key figure in American history and the civil rights movement, transcending sport.
NBA GM Would Trade Jayson Tatum for Kevin Durant Over Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart
Jul 31, 2022
Boston - June 16: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and Golden State Warriors forward Otto Porter Jr. (32) watch the flight of Tatums made three point basket during first quarter action. The Boston Celtics hosted the Golden State Warriors for Game Six of the NBA Finals at the TD Garden in Boston on June 17, 2022. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
The combination of Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart is more valuable than Jayson Tatum, according to one NBA general manager.
The GM spoke to Ric Bucher of Fox Sports and said he would rather trade Tatum than move Brown and Smart in a deal for Kevin Durant:
"KD and Tatum are talented, but I don't know how tough they are. I know he's a lot younger than KD, but if you're just trying to win one title, do you trade Tatum for Durant? I'd do that before I'd give them Jaylen and Smart. Brown is valued a little less than Tatum because he's not the skill darling. He's a high level athlete who has developed into a good player. But I have to think Brooklyn would prefer Tatum and you wouldn't have to give up Smart."
Well, that is certainly one way of looking at things. An opinion very much in the minority of anyone whom you'd ask about the situation but one that represents at least one of the 30 people tasked with running an NBA organization.
The Celtics reportedly engaged the Brooklyn Nets in trade talks for Durant, offering a package that includes Brown, Derrick White and a draft pick, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Brooklyn countered by asking for Brown, Marcus Smart, future picks and possibly an additional role player, an offer the Celtics declined.
It's far from the first time Brown's name has been mentioned in trade talks—he's been bandied about as potential bait for Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis and now Durant. The Leonard and Davis trade talks ultimately went nowhere, and it's possible the Durant ones do as well. That said, it's clear the constant speculation has been weighing on Brown.
As far as Tatum goes, there's no real need to even address any rumors he might be included in Durant trade talks. He's staying right where he is. Tatum is a 24-year-old who just made first team All-NBA; Durant was on the second team. While Durant is still better than Tatum, he's 33 years old and has played just 90 games over the last three seasons. There's no world in which trading Tatum for Durant makes sense, nor does it have a remote chance of happening.
Report: Celtics Aren't Eyeing Kevin Durant Trade Out of Fear of Jaylen Brown Leaving
Jul 31, 2022
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 16: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on during Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals on June 16, 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
If the Boston Celtics do trade for Kevin Durant, it's not because they are worried about Jaylen Brown leaving.
Brown has only two years remaining on his current contract compared with four for Durant, making the latter the safer bet to stay with the organization. However, ESPN's Zach Lowe reported he has "not yet gotten the sense the Celtics are operating from some position of fear" when it comes to Brown.
As Lowe noted, Boston can offer the most years and money in a new deal and even a supermax if eligible, and "players rarely turn that down."
This discussion comes amid reports the Celtics offered Brown, Derrick White and draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets in a potential deal for Durant, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The Nets are reportedly looking for even more in a deal—potentially including Marcus Smart—but the trade talk alone could damage the relationship with Brown. The wing has certainly noticed the ongoing discussion:
Bleacher Report's A. Sherrod Blakely reported the relationship with the team could be damaged.
"Jaylen won't let this affect his play, but he won't forget this, either," one Eastern Conference scout said.
Brown was an All-Star in 2020-21 and produced similar numbers this past season, finishing 2021-22 with 23.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. He was a major reason the Celtics reached the NBA Finals this past year, averaging 23.1 points per game in the playoffs with 24.1 per game in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat.
Even with this production, Boston could improve on the court with a trade for Durant, who has 12 All-Star selection and four scoring titles. The 33-year-old averaged 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game last season.
While any potential move could ruin the Celtics' chemistry last season, there is little doubt the team would be better on paper with Durant.
It's enough for Boston to remain involved in trade talks, regardless of what it means for Brown's future with the team.
Fresh off of their first NBA Finals trip in more than a decade, the Boston Celtics are going for it. They've already made upgrades to a roster that just...
