Kevin Durant Rumors: Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers Among Preferred Trade Destinations

The Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat were believed to be atop Kevin Durant's wish-list when he asked to be traded at the start of free agency. Now that the Brooklyn Nets haven't come close to an agreement with either team, two more possible destinations appear to be on Durant's radar.

Durant sees the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers as desired landing spots, SNY's Ian Begley reports. According to The Athletic, the superstar told Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai that he wants to be traded if head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks remain with the team.

The most prominent trade rumor in recent weeks involves Durant and the Celtics. Boston offered Brooklyn Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and a draft pick, The Athletic reported. The Nets turned down the trade, reportedly asking for Marcus Smart and more draft picks to be included in the deal.

If he's traded to Boston, Durant wants to play with Smart, according to Begley. Smart won the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.
Durant could make the Celtics the clear favorite to win next year's championship. Even before Boston was featured prominently in Durant trade rumors, the Celtics were given the best odds to win the 2023 NBA Finals.

Boston blew a 2-1 series lead against the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals, ultimately losing in six games.

The Celtics swept the Nets in the first round of the 2022 playoffs. Boston forced Durant to have one of the worst postseason series of his career. Durant averaged 26.3 points on 38.6% shooting after scoring 29.9 points per game on 51.8% shooting in the regular season.

It's unknown if the Nets and 76ers have recently had serious trade discussions regarding Durant. With Brown at the center of a deal, Boston can seemingly put together a much stronger offer than Philadelphia. Tyrese Maxey would likely have to be the centerpiece of any offer that the 76ers make to the Nets.

The Nets and 76ers executed the biggest trade of the 2021-2022 when the rivals swapped James Harden and Ben Simmons. Philadelphia also sent Brooklyn two first-round draft picks in the deal.

There has been pessimism that Brooklyn will ultimately give in to Durant's trade request. No team is willing to meet the Nets' asking price of several first-round picks and one or two All-Star-caliber players.

After Durant told Tsai that he doesn't have faith in the direction of the team, the Nets' owner tweeted that Brooklyn's front office and coaching staff have his support.