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Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant is staying put with no trade imminent. The franchise recognizes Durant's value and is not budging until they get a satisfactory trade package.
On ESPN's "First Take," Stephen A. Smith said he would be hell-bent on keeping Durant if he were Joe Tsai, the Nets owner. Smith said Durant's trade demands are not justifiable and is keeping him this season.
"I love the brother. I think he's the best player in the world when healthy. These trade demands are not even close to be justified. Hell with that. If it's me, if I'm Joe Tsai for the Brooklyn Nets, you ain't going no damn place, Kevin Durant. There is no way in hell I'm letting Kevin Durant leave this year. Hell with that," Stephen A. Smith said.
KD gave Joe Tsai an ultimatum in a meeting last week in London. Durant demanded the franchise either trade him or fire general manager Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash.
Joe Tsai immediately tweeted his support for the Nets' coaching staff and the front office. With four years left on his $190 million deal, the leverage is arguably with the franchise.
Should the Brooklyn Nets trade Kevin Durant right away?
Kevin Durant's tenure with the Brooklyn Nets thus far has been disappointing. Barring the loss against the Boston Celtics this year, Durant has played well.
The Slim Reaper is undoubtedly one of the best players in the league. A trade of this magnitude has never taken place before. Anthony Davis' move to the LA Lakers is the closest to something of this ilk. This uniqueness makes it hard to gauge Durant's trade value.
The Nets are wary of trading within the same conference. A trade to Boston would make their road to the NBA Finals much harder. Even if they receive Jaylen Brown and draft capital in return, the Nets wouldn't be a contender.
Trading Durant to the Western Conference would be ideal in this scenario. However, there are hardly any teams in the West that can offer the Brooklyn Nets what they want.
A decision can be made depending on Durant's stance at the beginning of training camp. His value could plummet if he sits out of training camp.
