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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

Every organization has a player that creates the noise. A star who is capable of producing magic on the court. For the Nets, Kevin Durant is the face of the franchise. Likewise, being the star of the team brings certain privileges. KD decided to take the most extreme route. Discussing his trade, Durant gave an ultimatum to owner Joseph Tsai. A choice between him or the coaching staff. The question came up during Shaq’s recent podcast. However, the Big Diesel’s reaction came as a surprise for everybody.

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The Nets were put in a lock after the Slim Reaper’s transparent meet with their multi-billionaire owner. Not having the confidence in Steve Nash, Durant shot his arrow. He gave the franchise a clear choice. The Nets now have to choose between trading Durant or getting rid of their coaching staff. Clearly, the franchise can’t have both boxes ticked. Likewise, it’s a decision that will make the franchise scratch its head. Durant’s demands seemed to be too much. However, not all feel the same way.

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USA Today via Reuters

During a recent episode of ‘The Big Podcast’, Shaquille O’Neal spilled the beans on being the franchise’s superstar.

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Shaquille O’Neal has done what Kevin Durant did

In his prime, Shaq was the most unstoppable force in basketball. He was a top player, and for his franchise, the number one option. Likewise, while speaking about KD’s ultimatum, the Big Diesel wasn’t surprised. As the man of the team, he didn’t want to overlook the past. Looking back at his career, Shaq revealed he kept making tough demands. Moreover, he feels Kevin Durant has the right to do the same.

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The Big Diesel said: “I have to impeach myself from this case. In order for me to talk about this, it would imply I have never done this. When you are the man, you can make these types of demands. Look, I played 20 years, been around a long time. I’m gonna give y’all some stories. But I can’t give you all stories.”

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Shaq’s claims make sense coming from the player’s point of view. Kevin Durant has worked hard to get to the level he is. Becoming the most elite offensive player has to have some advantages. KD came to Brooklyn to make his own legacy. Likewise, the Easy Money Sniper needs some assurance to trust the process. Still, at the heights of his power, Durant can make or break any team. And for the Nets, it is one of the hardest choices they will have to make.

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Shaquille O’Neal picked his side with some untold stories. But could his beef with Kobe Bryant fit the case?

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Shaq-Kobe beef is similar to Nets’ situation?

While Shaq didn’t reveal any further story, could the Big Diesel’s beef with Kobe be one that fit the case? Kobe and Shaq are two names that will remain attached together. The dynamic duo won three championships in a row, becoming one of the best in the process. However, after the Big Diesel started enjoying life, a public feud began.

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The two superstars started resenting each other. It all came to a point the pair refused to play together. Notably, Kobe couldn’t see himself playing besides Shaq anymore. After the Lakers fired Phil Jackson, Shaq had a clear message. He didn’t like the direction the organization was going towards, which was making Bryant the face of the team. With wage demands and the feud, O’Neal decided it was time to move on. In a trade that shocked the world, Shaq was traded away to the Miami Heat. The Lakers had to make one of the toughest decisions. A choice between the brightest talent or the most dominant.

The Brooklyn Nets are in a similar spot. For the Lakers, they chose to gamble on Kobe. Do you think the Nets should take a similar approach? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Anuj Talwalkar

4,479 Articles

Anuj Talwalkar is a senior NBA Newsbreak specialist at EssentiallySports, trusted for his real-time coverage and fast, accurate updates on league developments. With five NBA seasons and two Olympics coverages under his belt, Anuj stands out as the go-to reporter for the NBA Matchday Newsdesk. As part of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, he continuously refines his hard reporting with grounded storytelling shaped by fan culture and court-level insights. An economics graduate and lifelong OKC fan since the Supersonics era, Anuj combines analytical thinking and a genuine passion for basketball. He’s recognized for both his live news coverage and feature writing, with aspirations to someday interview Russell Westbrook. Anuj’s reporting is marked by its reliability, depth, and strong connection to the pulse of the NBA.

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Tony Thomas

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