Sources: Celtics engage in talks with Nets on KD

As Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant’s commerce request approaches a fourth week, the Boston Celtics have emerged amongst groups engaged in talks on a potential deal, sources informed ESPN.

The Celtics seem no nearer to buying Durant than others in discussions with the Nets, however Boston’s potential to incorporate All-Star ahead Jaylen Brown as a centerpiece in provides does assist to make the crew formidable in its pursuit, sources mentioned.

The Miami Warmth, Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors have been well-known to have various levels of curiosity in Durant, however the Celtics have additionally been in common contact with the Nets, sources mentioned.

There are not any offers believed to have traction for Durant, and no crew has but to achieve the numerous threshold that the Nets have set to commerce one of many league’s most gifted gamers, sources mentioned. The Nets’ posture on a possible commerce has been largely unchanged: They need a large return that doubtlessly consists of a number of unprotected first-round picks, decide swaps and impactful gamers for Durant, sources mentioned.

The Celtics contemplate All-NBA ahead Jayson Tatum off limits in any commerce talks, however Boston is ready to assemble a package deal for Durant that would embody Brown and as many as three unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027 and 2029) — and two decide swaps (2024 and 2026). Brown, 25, has two years and $56 million left on his present contract.

Durant, a 12-time All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP, requested for a commerce June 30 and hasn’t backed off that request. At 33 years previous, Durant has 4 years and $198 million left on his contract, which suggests Brooklyn could be affected person with ready out groups for the type of return it believes will ultimately emerge for a star participant reaching the commerce market in his prime.

The Celtics defeated the Nets 4-0 in an Jap Convention first-round playoff sequence final season and constructed the core of their present crew, partly, from the draft compensation from a 2013 commerce that despatched Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Nets. Each Tatum and Brown had been acquired by means of Brooklyn picks delivered to Boston.