Kevin Durant Rumors: Nets Prioritizing Players over Picks in Trade Negotiations

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The Brooklyn Nets may be willing to trade Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but they reportedly want to do so while remaining competitive rather than building around draft picks.

“I am told that the Nets are prioritizing getting players back in this deal, that they want the prime assets in this trade to be a star player or high-level star players, that they’re not focused on draft picks, although I’m sure they want draft picks too,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on the Hoop Collective podcast (2:25 mark).

The Nets have been exploring a Durant trade over the last week, but it does not appear any deal has gotten close. Brooklyn is expected to cast a wide net across the league in hopes of landing the best possible package for the 12-time All-Star, who has four years remaining on his contract.

Irving’s market has been understandably more tepid given the damage to his public reputation over the last year. The Los Angeles Lakers have been oft-mentioned as a potential destination, but Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium told the Pat McAfee Show that there is currently “no traction” on a deal.

This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

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