NBA Rumors: Will Kevin Durant Be Traded? Nets Get Inquiries For Star

In the aftermath of the Kyrie Irving trade, NBA teams have been hoping that Kevin Durant would become available. The Brooklyn Nets have reportedly been receiving calls from around the league regarding the two-time Finals MVP.

Will Durant be traded? According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Nets have told teams that they don't plan to move the superstar forward before Thursday's trade deadline.

Shortly after the Nets traded Irving to the Dallas Mavericks, Wojnarowski reported that Brooklyn was aiming to upgrade its roster around Durant this week. The Nets are reportedly looking to package future draft picks together in a deal. Spencer Dinwiddie, who Brooklyn received as part of the Irving trade, could potentially be sent elsewhere in a deadline trade.

Durant had interest in a deal to the Suns over the summer, but so far the Nets haven't shown a willingness to move him to Phoenix or anywhere else, sources tell ESPN. There have been a number of teams reaching out to Brooklyn on Durant. https://t.co/xYvo5rGZCY
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2023

Brian Windhorst: "The league right now and the top agents are waiting for clarity from Kevin Durant. One of the biggest questions that has happened in the last 3 days: 'What do you think Kevin is feeling?'" pic.twitter.com/b7174qLSTT
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) February 7, 2023

The Nets' stance on Durant's availability could change quickly. Shortly before the 2022 trade deadline, Wojnarowski reported that the Nets wouldn't engage with other teams in conversations about James Harden. Brooklyn ultimately sent Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Ben Simmons, other players and draft picks.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst noted on "NBA Today" that the Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors could become bidders for Durant. Both teams were linked to the Nets' star when he asked for a trade in the summer.

The Suns were reported to be Durant's preferred destination last offseason. The Nets turned down offers from Phoenix and several other suitors. When no team met Brooklyn's lofty asking price, the Nets decided to hold onto Durant for the start of the 2022-23 season.

Durant has three years left on his contract after this season. Before suffering a knee injury, Durant was averaging 29.7 points 6.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Durant is shooting a career-high 55.9% from 3-point range.

Durant could return before the All-Star break.

The Nets are 32-21. Brooklyn is the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference and 5.5 games behind the No. 1 seed Boston Celtics.