The Boston Celtics have offered a package centered around Jaylen Brown to the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant, according to Shams Charania. Other pieces were offered to Brooklyn as well, such as Derrick White and a draft pick. Brooklyn rejected in reportedly also asked for Marcus Smart. The bottom line is simple, however. If Durant is sold on leaving the Nets, bringing in a piece like Brown is likely to be Brooklyn’s best return.
Jaylen Brown Eases the Burden of Kevin Durant Leaving Brooklyn
Potential Kevin Durant Packages
There’s no doubt that a number of teams have expressed interest in Durant after his public trade request. He is, of course, one of the best pure scorers to ever step foot on a basketball court. Nothing has materialized, however.
The Phoenix Suns were thought to be a major suitor. There was potential for an enticing offer, perhaps including a Deandre Ayton sign-and-trade as well as other pieces such as Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, and draft picks. Ayton re-signed with Phoenix, however, and cannot be traded until January.
Durant had also mentioned the Miami Heat as an option he’d consider. One would imagine Tyler Herro being a major piece in those negotiations. Brown, however, is a better return for Brooklyn than Herro.
Then, of course, there are other possible packages that haven’t been discussed too heavily in the media.
Jaylen Brown Is a Solid Return
The trade market seems to be a tad off due to Rudy Gobert being moved to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He demanded a high price but isn’t seen as anything close to the talent Durant is. For that reason, Durant’s current worth is in question. In addition, Durant publicly requested a trade, which typically places the leverage in other teams’ hands. At the same time, it’s not often a legitimate superstar like Durant requests a trade.
With all that being said, Brown is a solid return for Brooklyn. He just averaged about 24 points, six rebounds, four assists, and a steal per game for a team that made the NBA Finals. Brown also played quite well in the Finals. Yes, he’s overshadowed by Jayson Tatum, but there’s no question that Brown is an All-Star caliber player. He’s also 25 years old, so he hasn’t hit his peak just yet.
Durant, on the other hand, will be 34 years old when the next season starts. It makes sense that Boston wants him as he could easily be the piece they need to win a title. Brooklyn, on the other hand, may hit a slight rebuild with the Durant and Kyrie Irving trade requests.
Brooklyn also has other talents on the roster, such as Ben Simmons, Nic Claxton, and Joe Harris. The team has other veterans and could add more talent by trading Irving. Adding Brown and White, or perhaps another Celtics player will keep the Nets competitive right now. It’s become easy to forget that Simmons was an All-Star not too long ago while Harris is one of the league’s top shooters.
Moving into the near future with these players in the core also keeps the Nets as an attractive location for free agents.
