NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 04 (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 04 (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Brooklyn Nets

NBA Trades: 3 dark horse destinations for Kevin Durant this offseason

by Dalton Sell Follow @sell_dalton
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NBA Trades, Kevin Durant

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 18: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets looks to pass against Justise Winslow #26 and Trendon Watford #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Barclays Center on March 18, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, NBA Trades: 3 dark horse destinations for Kevin Durant this offseason. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Kevin Durant’s trade request has sent shockwaves throughout the NBA world, which has left fans anxious to see where the two-time Finals MVP ultimately lands.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, over half of the league has called the Brooklyn Nets to kick the tires on acquiring Durant, and understandably so. Right now, the three teams that appear to be the most likely trade suitors are the Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, and Miami Heat, due to a collection of interesting players and draft picks that may theoretically satisfy Brooklyn’s demands.

While those three teams are seemingly the front runners, let us look at three opposing teams that could be dark horses to acquire the 12-time All-Star via trade this offseason.

NBA Trades: 3 dark horse destinations for Kevin Durant: Portland Trail Blazers

In an effort to keep their franchise superstar Damian Lillard pleased, the Portland Trail Blazers have been active this offseason. In addition to retaining two rotational pieces in Anfernee Simons and Jusuf Nurkic, the Blazers drafted Shaedon Sharpe and traded for Jerami Grant, who is a close friend of Lillard’s.

While Portland certainly improved this offseason, there are questions as to just how well they stack up in a star-studded Western Conference. If they want to push themselves over the edge, swinging a trade for Kevin Durant could undoubtedly help.

First and foremost, adding Durant would certainly end any speculation regarding Lillard’s uncertain future with the franchise. While the All-Star guard has been one of the league’s most loyal players since he came in, it appears that he may be considering his options. Lillard recently caused quite a stir when he posted a picture with the caption, “Loyalty has a expiration date,” on social media.

He is eligible for an extension this offseason, but if Lillard is unmoved by the team’s roster moves, he could elect to hold off. If the Blazers managed to pull off a blockbuster trade for Durant, Lillard might not be able to ink his signature on the paper fast enough. Lillard is on the record expressing interest in playing alongside Durant, and he posted a picture of them playing together, which was later reposted by Nurkic.

Related Story: Phoenix Suns trade would land Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving

Adding Durant to a Portland team with Lillard, Grant, Simons, and Nurkic would undoubtedly make them a formidable threat on impact. Opposing defenses would have nightmares trying to stop the Durant-Lillard tandem on offense, as those are two of the best scorers league-wide.

Portland is a team that should be all-in on trying to acquire Durant to not only put themselves in a position to compete at the highest level next season but to also give Lillard the best teammate of his career.

To absorb Durant’s $43 million salary for next season, the Blazers would have to gut a significant portion of their roster, but they have several pieces to make it work. For salary purposes, Portland would have to include Eric Bledsoe, who will make $19.4 million next season if not waived.

Adding in promising young role players like Josh Hart, Nassir Little, and Justise Winslow could also get the wheels turning, but the true prize would be the draft capital. The Nets are likely seeking a historic amount of draft capital for Durant, and the Blazers should be willing to go all-in to get him.

Portland is a team that has every reason to go and get Durant, and they just might have enough assets to pull off a trade.

Next: Team #2

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