The general manager of the Brooklyn Nets, Sean Marks, recently informed the public that Kevin Durant has rescinded his trade request and has decided to stay in Brooklyn for the upcoming season. As a result, the NBA community had been quick to express their disappointment after the whirlwind of NBA trade rumors for the past two months culminated in such a bland outcome. Meanwhile, YouTuber turned pro-boxer Jake Paul has surprisingly come to the defense of Kevin Durant on social media.

The NBA world was hurled into a storm of trade speculations after Kevin Durant requested a trade out of Brooklyn on June 30. However, such a trade seemed increasingly improbable as teams failed to meet Brooklyn’s outlandish demands. After roughly two months of intrigue, KD finally agreed to stay in Brooklyn after a meeting with GM Sean Marks, head coach Steve Nash and governors Joe Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai.

Subsequently, NBA fans flooded the Internet to express their disapproval of all the pointless drama. A large section of the public blamed Durant’s petulance for the whole debacle. However, the Nets superstar found support from an unlikely source.

Jake Paul defends Kevin Durant

Boxer Jake Paul defended Kevin Durant on social media against a mob of disappointed fans. As it turns out, NBA fans felt betrayed after a two-month saga of KD trade rumors led to nothing. As a result, they didn’t hold back while expressing their disapproval on the Internet.

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Meanwhile, Jake Paul responded to the backlash with empathy for the two-time NBA champion. “Kevin Durant is one of the greatest athletes in the world,” he declared.

“So what if he takes a little time to decide what he wants to do. He?s the star attraction,” he added.

KD stays in Brooklyn

Nets GM Sean Marks revealed recently that Durant has rescinded his trade request. The 33-year-old superstar’s four-year $198 million extension begins this season.

Earlier this summer, Kyrie Irving exercised his player option with the Nets. Therefore, the New York franchise is running it back with KD and Kyrie in the upcoming season.

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A KD-Kyrie pairing could cause problems in the East. In addition, a healthy Ben Simmons is expected to return next season after his back surgery. If the stars stay healthy, the Brooklyn Nets could very well end up contending for the title.