Building a super team with elite players has become the latest fad in the National Basketball Association. Organizations like the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Clippers have improved their team through valuable additions during the last few years.
As the competition in the association rises, the demand for star-caliber players has increased. In an offseason where some of the league’s best talent seek greener pastures, will Kevin Durant be the next star to relocate?
Why Kevin Durant wants to leave and why he should re-join Brooklyn Nets
A disappointing end to the 2021 season has caused friction between players and staff. Brooklyn’s 44-38 record shocked fans and analysts who believed the Larry O’Brien celebration would take place in the Barclays Center in preseason predictions.
While the media prepared to watch James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant dismantle opposing defenses, the Brooklyn Nets front office was working on other plans. Soon, Brooklyn’s dynamic scoring trio was cut to a one-man show – adding an unexpected burden to the last man standing.
A mid-season trade sent James Harden to Philadelphia in exchange for Ben Simmons, Andre Drummond, and Seth Curry. Although the Nets gained a slew of role players, the loss of an All-NBA guard damaged the team.
Before his abrupt departure, Harden averaged 36.8 minutes per game – more than Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Without Harden on the floor, the Nets turned to their dominant point guard to take control of the offense.
COVID-19 mandates caused Irving to miss more than half of the regular season. When his team needed him on the floor, Irving could only watch from the sidelines. When the Nets could put their star in the game, he produced exceptional stats. His 27.4 points per game were accompanied by 5.8 assists.
The 29 games he played didn’t allow Irving to make a big enough impact on his team. With two stars out of the lineup, it was now up to Kevin Durant to lead his team to a playoff berth. His 29.9 points and 6.4 assists per game average helped the Nets reach the postseason.
Durant’s efforts came up short in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. A devasting sweep at the hands of Jayson Tatum sent Steve Nash’s team home early, left to think about the upcoming season.
Watching the playoffs from home was not a part of the plan for the talented Brooklyn squad. Their early post-season exit caused members of the team to re-evaluate their desires.
On July 1, the Brooklyn Nets were notified that Durant had requested a trade. News of Durant’s desire to seek greener pastures came after Irving decided to remain a Net for one more year. While the front office works on finding value for their best player, many are wondering if trading KD is worth it.
Steve Nash and the Nets have the necessary pieces to win an NBA championship. Additions like Seth Curry and Ben Simmons will help the team elevate the team’s performance on both ends of the court.
If Kevin Durant decides to stay put, he can expect to see more of Kyrie on the hardwood in 2022. Compared to teams across the association, the Nets have a better roster. Leaving the Nets could cost Durant an opportunity to strengthen his legacy, especially if there is a chance to produce with his current team.