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TOKYO, JAPAN – AUGUST 03: Kevin Durant of USA is seen during a basketball match between USA and Spain at Saitama Super Arena on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan on August 03, 2021. (Photo by Elif Ozturk Ozgoncu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
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TOKYO, JAPAN – AUGUST 03: Kevin Durant of USA is seen during a basketball match between USA and Spain at Saitama Super Arena on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan on August 03, 2021. (Photo by Elif Ozturk Ozgoncu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The Kevin Durant saga is taking a huge turn. The Brooklyn Nets look set to lose both Kyrie Irving and Durant in a major overhaul of the team. Although the loss of two major superstars can haunt a team for years, the Nets already have their eyes on replacements.
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According to the latest rumors, Durant may join the Phoenix Suns. Interestingly enough, Utah Jazz star, Donovan Mitchell is reported to replace KD at the Nets. Considering that Utah has already traded Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Mitchell wanting to leave the franchise does not come as a surprise.
The Brooklyn Nets search for a Kevin Durant replacement amidst heavy trade activity
Just a few months ago, the Brooklyn Nets boasted of having one of the best teams in the league. Stars like Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden were expected to take the team to the Finals. However, injuries prevented the three from making any major impact. Moreover, Harden left the Nets to join the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster trade.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 30, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) slaps hands with Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
This started their downfall. The team faced off against the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum, ran riot as they swept the Nets 4-0. Safe to say, fans and experts expected a major overhaul after this disappointment.
Kyrie Irving’s likely departure came as the first bombshell for the franchise and the fans. On top of that, it seems that Kevin Durant wants to leave the franchise as well.
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According to the latest reports, Donovan Mitchell could join the Nets in a blockbuster trade. On the other hand, Durant would join the Phoenix Suns, and the Suns would send DeAndre Ayton to the Utah Jazz.
Per league source a potential Blockbuster 3 team deal between PHX, BRK & Utah is being discussed & could be finalized tomorrow centered around Deandre Ayton to Utah, Donavan Mitchell to Brooklyn and Kevin Durant to Phoenix. Other players and picks are involved per league source👀 pic.twitter.com/ZU2OYdjaVj
— FLEX From Jersey (@FlexFromJersey) July 2, 2022
However, other league sources suggest that the Jazz don’t plan on trading Mithcell; rather, they plan on building the team around him. Interestingly enough, when the results for the All-Star selection were announced, Donovan reportedly wanted to join “a big market team” and the Nets provide just that.
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Where do you think Kevin Durant will go after leaving the Brooklyn Nets? Let us know in the comments down below.
Written by
Edited by
Veer Badani