Boston Celtics Rumors: A major hurdle arises in C’s pursuit of Kevin Durant

For quite some time now it has been believed that the Boston Celtics are the team who could offer the Brooklyn Nets the best package to execute a Kevin Durant blockbuster, with a major reason being that 25-year-old wing Jaylen Brown would likely be used as the main trade-chip in such an exchange. 

However, just recently news broke that could ultimately slide the C’s from being atop the KD leaderboard down to being considered a mere also-ran.

Per an August 22 report by The Athletic’s Shams Charania (subscription required), sources have stated that the Memphis Grizzlies have recently “shown interest” in acquiring the Brooklyn superstar.

"Fresh off a 56-win season, the Grizzlies have made new inquiries to the Nets about Durant, those sources added. Memphis has five first-round draft picks available (four unprotected selections of its own and one protected via Golden State in 2024) to theoretically utilize in a trade as well as young players like Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, Ziaire Williams, Brandon Clarke, Kennedy Chandler and David Roddy."

This bit of news should come as no shock to anyone, for just a short while after Durant requested a trade out of Brooklyn, Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant went about and posted a rather blatant message on his Twitter account presumed to be him hinting that he’d be interested in teaming up with the 2x NBA Finals MVP.

We at the Houdini have always felt that there are several teams across the association that would be able to put together a more enticing trade offer for Kevin Durant than the Boston Celtics, and Memphis was tabbed as one of them when we initially broached the subject.

"22-year-old big man, Jaren Jackson, would be an excellent place to start when it comes to negotiations, as he just had himself a truly phenomenal campaign posting 16.3 points, 5.8 boards, and a whopping 2.2 blocks per game while finishing in the top-5 for the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award.At his age coupled with his impressive two-way skill set, he’d easily fit the bill as far as Brooklyn’s desire to bring on a young star-caliber player, and could mesh quite well with Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons likely remaining in tow.On top of this, the front office could realistically add on their promising 2020 10th overall selection, Ziaire Williams, and a bevy of firsts to further entice Brooklyn."

The Boston Celtics may be viewed as having the better individual player to offer, but Memphis, with their own assortment of impressive young talents and their treasure trove of draft capital, could easily put together a better package if they truly wanted to.