Three Surprise Teams Who Could Land Kevin Durant

The NBA off-season has been dominated by Kevin Durant, whose Brooklyn Nets were eliminated nearly four months ago courtesy of a four-game sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Since Durant has demanded a trade. When an elite player with four years remaining on his contract wants out, the ears of general managers throughout the league perk up.

Durant’s first two preferences were the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat. But those destinations are nearly impossible because Phoenix can’t move potential trade chip Center Deandre Ayton until mid-season without his consent.

Meanwhile, Miami can’t include Bam Adebayo in a potential deal with Brooklyn because he and Ben Simmons can’t be on the same team due to complicated contract mechanisms.

Recently, Durant met with Nets’ owner Joe Tsai and reiterated his trade demand while giving Tsai an ultimatum: Trade me or fire General Manager Sean Marks and Head Coach Steve Nash. Tsai, who is worth nearly $9 billion, let it be known on his Twitter account that he is supporting his general manager and head coach. This would lead you to believe that the Nets are actively looking to trade Kevin Durant.

With this in mind, two Eastern Conference contenders appear to be potential landing spots for Durant. The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. A package of Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and draft picks could get the deal done with Boston. According to recent reports, the Celtics would rather send Derek White instead of Smart in a possible trade.

Philadelphia’s big two of Joel Embiid and James Harden would not be part of a potential trade with Brooklyn. The best option for a 76ers – Nets deal would be Philadelphia sending Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle 90 miles north to the Barclays Center.

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Either spot would be fascinating to watch unfold. Durant joining Jayson Tatum would give the Celtics incredible high and talent.

The more interesting scenario would be Durant going to Philadelphia. A big three of Embiid Durant and Harden, coached by Doc Rivers would be engrossing. Not sure how it would work on the court, but off the court, the content would be worthy of a brilliant reality TV show.

Durant playing in either Boston or Philadelphia, the two most intense sports markets in the country, would be priceless. Imagine Durant tuning in to sports talk radio in either city. His burner accounts would be on fire.

As often happens in these rumored deals, a surprise team emerges and swoops in to make a deal. Here are three teams possibly laying in the weeds that would be a good landing spot for Durant.

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

The Pelicans could trade Brandon Ingram, often described as a poor man’s Durant, along with young Power Forward Herbert Jones and draft picks, which New Orleans has in abundance. Ingram is on par with Boston’s Jaylen Brown as the best individual player available in a potential Durant trade.

DENVER NUGGETS

Guard Jamal Murray missed the entire season with a knee injury and is a high-level talent who could be the lead in a Nuggets-Nets trade. Adding talented forward Michael Porter Jr. , along with draft picks would be fair value for KD.

TORONTO RAPTORS

One of the best-run organizations in the NBA, the Raptors traded for Kawhi Leonard four years ago knowing that he would most likely play one season north of the border. That one season culminated in the Raptors winning a championship. At present, the Raptors are not willing to part with Rookie Of The Year Scottie Barnes. A player who has top-ten potential.

Unlike the NFL, basketball trades can and do happen very late in the off-season or in training camp, or even months into the season. This story may continue to dominate the NBA for a while.

John Sapochetti is co-host of the Pick & Roll NBA Podcast with JET & SAP, which is heard here on Full Press Coverage. Follow him on Twitter @JohnSap25