Where should the Warriors not want Kevin Durant traded to?
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving do not seem like they’ll both be back in Brooklyn Nets season. The experiment took just a few seasons to fail as the Nets were swept by the NBA Finals-making Boston Celtics in the first round.
If they do break the dynamic duo up, another super team could be formed, and it could make a team that has to compete with the Golden State Warriors. There are several teams that are one superstar away from being true competitors.
The worst-case scenario for the Golden State Warriors could come to life in the near future, but what that means isn’t quite known yet.
Where should Golden State not want Durant traded to? While they don’t have much say in the matter, there is one spot gaining traction, and that’s Portland.
Damian Lillard, a superstar guard, posted a picture with Durant in a Blazers jersey.
The Blazers traded for Pistons star forward Jerami Grant and drafted guard Shaedon Sharpe who has one of the NBA Draft’s highest ceilings. They have the pieces to pull off a trade, especially after sending guard CJ McCollum to New Orleans last season.
Sharpe would certainly be on the move in any trade, but a trio of Grant, Durant and Lillard along with big-man Jusuf Nurkic would create another superteam, one that’s elite on both ends of the court.
The two seasons prior to last, Lillard averaged over 28 points per game. Add a talent like Durant to the Lillard-led Blazers, and they’d instantly be among the title favorites.
The situation is something the Warriors should monitor, but it’s likely a Kyrie Irving trade that precedes any Durant deal.
One team favored to land Irving could be the Lakers. Sporting News wrote on Irving’s potential wishlist, which included both Dallas and Los Angeles in his top-three options. If that’s a possible landing place, the West could see another superteam.
If the Nets break up the duo, at the very least, the Warriors need to keep an eye on what the next move is for teams within their conference. There could be several new, scary superteams next season as both stars seem unhappy in their current situation.