The Boston Celtics got hit with a long-term blow when star forward Jayson Tatum ruptured his Achilles in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals vs. the New York Knicks this season. Not only did Boston lose the series, but the six-time All-Star may miss the entirety of next year.
Enter fellow star Kevin Durant. The two-time NBA Finals MVP is on the trade block and has picked the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets as his preferred destinations, via ESPN's Shams Charania. However, the Celtics could remain contenders in Tatum's absence next season by acquiring Durant.
Boston came up in a trade report about the four-time scoring champion on Tuesday, via Yahoo! Sports' Kevin O'Connor.
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35), Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and Celtics center Al Horford (42).
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35), Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and Celtics center Al Horford (42).
© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
“Durant has already been denied by his top choices," he reported. "There were rumblings at the trade deadline KD wanted to land with the Celtics or Knicks."
"New York’s interest reportedly isn’t mutual anymore," he continued. "Boston’s cap sheet and trajectory make that scenario highly unlikely.”
This report got a rise out of fans on social media.
"KD is starting to look like the player version of the Knicks front office asking for coaches," one fan said.
"No team that is a title contender is going to give up key pieces for KD," another said. "The Suns did and well…."
"KD really wanted to go to the defending champs this trade deadline?!" one asked. "Well, bro is always running from the grind. He’s not trying to hide it anymore."
"This dude has no shame, man," another said. "Just jumps from super team to super team."
Durant is turning 37 in September and will make $54.7 million next season, the final one on his contract. However, the future Hall of Famer is still elite, as he averaged 26.6 points on 52.7 percent shooting (43 percent 3 PT) with six rebounds and 4.2 assists across 62 games this year. His scoring average ranked sixth in the league.
Durant hasn't gotten out of the Conference Semifinals since he ruptured his Achillies in the 2019 NBA Finals as a member of the Golden State Warriors. The Texas alum won two championships with Golden State before playing for the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns.