Brooklyn Nets Considering Deal Involving Kevin Durant's Heir Apparent

KEY POINTS

The Nets are considering the idea of giving up Kevin Durant for Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance Jr.
The Pelicans are unlikely to give up Ingram for an established-but-aging Durant
Durant will prefer to move to a team that has good chances of winning an NBA title

The Brooklyn Nets are exhausting all options following the request of Kevin Durant to be traded.

There have been several NBA teams mentioned, but it appears that a new name in the mix is the New Orleans Pelicans.

According to NBA Insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, sources claimed that the Nets have made inquiries on a possible trade involving Durant and some Pelicans players.

The players that the Nets have their eye on are reportedly Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance.

The deal would also involve multiple picks-a mix that includes theirs as well as the ones from the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers.

From the names mentioned, Ingram stands out. When he entered the league in 2016, no less than Durant acknowledged the similarities between him and the Pelicans cager.

"He (Ingram) reminds me of myself, but he’s a little farther along than I was at that stage,” Durant said at the time.

However, a lot has changed since then. Durant is now 34 years old and the last couple of years have seen him forced out of action due to injuries.

Regardless, the 2014 NBA MVP remains lethal when healthy for any team he plays for.

On the other hand, Ingram has established himself as a superstar since moving to New Orleans from Los Angeles in 2019.

He earned his first All-Star nod in 2020 and was also named the NBA’s Most Improved Player for that season.

Given the age difference, it would be risky on the part of the Pelicans to deal away Ingram and Nance to take in the 12-time All-Star.

New Orleans could be catapulted into contenders, but such would only be a short-term fix

For his part, the Nets will need to convince Durant to agree to the deal.

Given that his NBA playing career is at a crossroads, the two-time NBA champion is likely to prefer joining a contender than lead a team that is on the rise.

Aside from the Pelicans, other NBA teams linked to Durant include the Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns.

The Golden State Warriors were mentioned as well, but like the Pelicans, giving up young stars for Durant is unlikely to prosper.