NOLA showing exactly where the Boston Celtics went wrong in KD talks

Ever since news broke in late June that Kevin Durant wanted to be traded from the Nets, the sports world has been in an absolute frenzy, and while many ball clubs have found themselves intertwined in the hoopla as being possible landing spots for the All-World talent, none have been as oft-mentioned as the Boston Celtics.

As is always a typical practice for all of the league’s most storied franchises when it comes to top-billed talents being on the block, the C’s are viewed as a realistic trade partner for KD, and, to many, they are seen as having the ability to piece together the most lucrative package that could be sent Brooklyn’s way.

Of course, the main reason why they’re viewed in this light is due to the assumption that a deal would include young star, Jaylen Brown, heading borough bound which, while fans are hoping that such an ordeal does not wind up becoming a reality, recent news suggests that such an exchange may not be out of the question for Boston’s front office.

Per a report by The Athletic’s Shams Charania (subscription required), President of Basketball Operations, Brad Stevens, offered up a package to the Brooklyn Nets that was headlined by the 25-year-old wing.

Ultimately, as stated by Charania, Sean Marks rejected the proposal and made a counter, which, similar to the initial offer, would still see Brown sent packing.

As is the case in the modern world, word of this reported discussion traveled fast once it was made public, and many, including the Boston Celtics star himself, went to social media to react to the news, with the consensus tone of posts being rather somber.

“He won’t forget this” is what one Eastern Conference scout had to say on the matter, furthering his stance by stating:

"“The kind of season he had, the team had…I know this is a business and he knows it’s a business, but hearing your name in trade rumors, even if it’s Kevin Durant in the deal, can’t feel good considering how he played against KD and how the Celtics did against the Nets.”"

Now, whether these reports on trade negotiations are fully true or not is still something up for debate, and JB’s fellow Boston Celtics centerpiece, Jayson Tatum, has even gone on to publicly question the reports’ validity.

Having said that, whether they are based in fact or not, the team’s front office, particularly Stevens, hasn’t gone on to make the situation any better, as they’ve remained completely silent in regard to the topic.

In no way, shape, or form should the Celtics actually wish to be interested in swapping out a potential decade more of the Jays for what could very well be just three of four years of a Tatum-Durant combo, and Stevens, for mere morale purposes, should absolutely look to publicly show his support for his young stud.

In fact, he should strongly consider taking a page out of the New Orleans Pelicans’ playbook, as they are another team viewed as having the potential to put together a highly enticing trade package for Brooklyn’s star yet, according to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the presumed most obvious asset in any potential deal, Brandon Ingram, has not been mentioned in any talks:

"You wondered if Brandon Ingram of the Pelicans could be a guy that’s put on the table? To this point, I’ve heard he’s not been put on the table."

Now, of course, there is no evidence to fully back this next claim up, but there is no way that we’re convinced that NOLA wouldn’t be up to swapping out someone like Ingram if it meant bringing on Kevin Durant.

Unlike the Boston Celtics, the Pelicans have been struggling mightily simply just to stay competitive as of late, making the postseason just once over the last four years despite having a solid amount of young and talented players within their arsenal (including Ingram).

After having re-signed franchise centerpiece Zion Williamson to a max contract this summer, coupled with their decision to acquire CJ McCollum at last year’s trade deadline, it’s evident that David Griffin is trying to build a contender in the Big Easy.

What better way to do that than by striking a deal with Brooklyn and creating a Big-3 of KD, Williamson, and McCollum?

However, even with this, the Pelicans have reportedly still shied away from making any offer involving Ingram which, for many reasons, is a smart move made–after all, should the Nets be the ones to propose a deal for the 24-year-old, no hard feelings would befall onto NOLA should word get out about such an exchange.

Whomever the anonymous scout was that stated Jaylen Brown might not forget these rumblings moving forward could very well prove to be right in the end which, once his contract is up in 2024, may spell the end of this potential dynastic core as we now know it.

JB is a foundational piece for the C’s both in the now as well as moving forward.

Brad Stevens must make this well known.