Kevin Durant Reveals Desire to Leave the Nets Sooner
In a surprising revelation, NBA superstar Kevin Durant has shared his desire to part ways with the Brooklyn Nets sooner than he did. Durant, who is now playing for the Phoenix Suns, expressed his frustration with the Nets’ refusal to trade him earlier. Join us as we delve into Durant’s candid comments and the circumstances surrounding his trade to the Suns.
Kevin Durant’s Desire to Leave the Nets
Durant expresses his frustration with the Brooklyn Nets’ refusal to trade him earlier
Superstar Kevin Durant has recently revealed his desire to part ways with the Brooklyn Nets much earlier than his eventual trade to the Phoenix Suns. Durant candidly expressed his frustration, stating that the Nets ‘refused to get rid of him’ months before the trade took place.
Despite his attempts to leave, Durant’s trade request was not fulfilled in time, and he made the decision to continue playing with the Nets for the season. He emphasized his commitment to not missing any games due to the ongoing situation.
It was in 2022 when Durant initially requested a trade out of Brooklyn, with the Phoenix Suns being his preferred landing spot. However, the trade finally materialized in February, bringing Durant to Phoenix and resulting in the Nets acquiring Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson.
Reflecting on the situation, Durant mentioned that the timing worked out perfectly for him. He expressed his enjoyment of playing alongside Devin Booker, his experience living in Phoenix, and his positive outlook on learning the Suns’ system.
The Durant Trade and its Impact
Examining the trade that sent Durant from the Nets to the Suns
The trade involving Kevin Durant marked the end of a tumultuous era for the Brooklyn Nets, which also saw the departure of fellow superstar Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks. Despite their star power, the duo only managed to win one playoff series in their time together.
During his tenure with the Nets, Durant showcased his exceptional skills, averaging 29.0 points over 129 games. Since joining the Phoenix Suns, he has continued to excel, currently averaging 31.4 points per game this season.
The Nets will face Durant for the first time since the trade on December 13th in Phoenix, while Durant’s return to Brooklyn is scheduled for January 31st. The trade has had a significant impact on both teams, with the Nets acquiring new starters and the Suns benefiting from Durant’s exceptional performance.
Injuries and Absences
The impact of injuries on the Heat and Nets lineups
The Miami Heat faced the Brooklyn Nets with several key players absent due to injuries. Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Duncan Robinson were all ruled out for the game, adding to the team’s challenges on the second night of a back-to-back.
Notably, Butler had a standout performance in a previous game against the Nets, scoring 36 points. Adebayo and Robinson also made significant contributions in previous matchups. The absence of these players undoubtedly affected the Heat’s lineup and gameplay.
On the other side, the Nets were also dealing with their own injury concerns. Ben Simmons, Cam Thomas, and Dennis Smith Jr. were ruled out for the game. Smith has been sidelined with a lower back sprain, while Thomas has been recovering from an ankle sprain. Simmons continues to work on his recovery from a nerve impingement in his lower back.