The disconnect between Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets continues with seemingly no end in sight. The former MVP’s trade request has gone unfulfilled, and Durant may even skip out on training camp if he’s not moved before NBA action resumes. According to the latest reporting from the Athletic’s Shams Charania, Durant has plenty of suitors, though Brooklyn’s asking price remains understandably high.
One new team to enter the fray could have the assets to pull something off. Charania reported the Memphis Grizzlies have connected with the Nets on a potential move to add Durant alongside Ja Morant and an exciting young core down in Bluff City. Memphis has five future first-round picks at its disposal, as well as a litany of exciting young players like Desmond Bane, Ziaire Williams, Brandon Clarke, and Jaren Jackson Jr.
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According to Charania, the Grizzlies front office – for the moment – is reluctant to include either Jackson Jr. or Bane in any deal. Instead the club would prefer to build a package around draft capital and younger players. Brooklyn, however, has made bringing back win-now players a top priority. As such, Memphis joins a long list of other clubs unable or unwilling to meet the Nets’ high asking price.
Per Charania
Recently, a new team has shown interest in Durant: the Memphis Grizzlies, league sources tell The Athletic. Fresh off a 56-win season, the Grizzlies have made new inquiries to the Nets about Durant, those sources added. Memphis has five first-round draft picks available (four unprotected selections of its own and one protected via Golden State in 2024) to utilize in a trade as well as young players like Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, Ziaire Williams, Brandon Clarke, Kennedy Chandler and David Roddy.
The Heat, Raptors, and Celtics all remain in the mix, though they too are reluctant to sell the farm in order to complete any trade. The Sixers, Suns, Hawks, Pelicans, and others are in a similar situation. Plenty of teams have great interest in Durant, it seems, but aren’t sure if mortgaging the future is worth bringing in a 34-year-old with a complicated health history. For now, the Durant situation appears at a standstill.
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Story originally appeared on Nets Wire