When Nets star Kyrie Irving this week opted into his player option for the 2022-23 season, it was expected that would ensure Kevin Durant wanted to stay in Brooklyn to play with his longtime friend. However, in a stunning development Thursday that may overshadow the news that USC and UCLA heading to the Big Ten, Durant has officially requested a trade from the Nets, and SportsLine has odds on his next team.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted this: “Nets GM Sean Marks i s working with Durant and his business manager Rich Kleiman on finding a trade for the franchise star. … As the Nets prepare to move one of the most valuable trade assets ever on the market, the entire roster will be available to discuss in deals.”
Durant, who turns 34 in September, averaged 29.9 points while shooting 51.8 percent from the field and 38.3 percent from 3-point range, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists this past season. While his recent injury history is a bit concerning, he's still clearly one of the three best players in the NBA.
KD doesn't have a ton of trade leverage as he is entering the first season of a four-year, $195 million contract and really his only threat could be to retire if he doesn't land where he wants. Irving had leverage because he was a free agent. The Durant news might mean Irving could still be on the move.