Golden State Warriors: 3 Trade ideas involving Kevin Durant

By Tony Pesta | Jul 4, 2022

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 06: Kevin Durant #7 high-fives Seth Curry #30 of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 06, 2022 in New York City. The Nets won 110-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Target another Net’s star

Who said the Golden State Warriors have to trade for Kevin Durant? Perhaps they’d be more interested in taking on another rehabilitation project like Ben Simmons?

Here’s the deal, due to an NBA rule that restricts teams from having two separate players on max rookie deals on the same roster — the Brooklyn Nets are limited to who they can net in return for Durant, because of Simmons being on a max rookie deal.

Here is a list of players the Nets can not trade while Simmons is on the roster. One of which is Andrew Wiggins.

Can’t trade Wiggins to the Nets pic.twitter.com/hu4gijh05l
— Golden Gate Hoops (@GoldGateHoops) July 3, 2022

So, perhaps the Warriors do not want to trade for Durant — but they also aren’t interested in any scraps they can pick up as a third team involved in the trade.

In this case, they can lend a helping hand to Brooklyn by making a smaller offer for Simmons. This helps them add another All-Star caliber player, though with some risk, while holding onto the bulk of their young core.

I would not expect the Warriors to pursue this option due to Simmons’ recent track history but it’s something to consider.

Home/Warriors News