The shocking Kevin Durant trade to the Phoenix Suns — which the New York Post’s Brian Lewis reported wasn’t going to be happening — figures to have serious side effects on the open market with the trade deadline at 4 pm eastern this afternoon. With the Nets now firmly moved on from the ‘big 3’ era, Brooklyn could be interested in selling off some of their pieces who could be of use to a contender. Enter the Boston Celtics.
With Jaylen Brown injured, the C’s need for extra wing depth is even more pressing now. The Nets, by way of acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges, and Jae Crowder in the last week, have several to offer.
MassLive’s Brian Robb named two Brooklyn forwards in particular (Finney-Smith, Royce O’Neale), as well as a potential sharpshooting guard (Seth Curry) who Boston could pursue in a piece titled ‘How Kevin Durant trade impacts Celtics options at trade deadline and beyond’:
"“While the Nets have no incentive to tank in the present after trading away first round picks in previous deals for James Harden, they also are no longer pot committed on winning during this current season to help keep Durant happy. That likely makes them open for business for the rest of their roster at the trade deadline and into next season. Boston could try to make a push for another wing (Royce O’Neale, Dorian Finney-Smith) or another shooter (Seth Curry) if the price is right.”"
The Boston Celtics have easier path to Finals now
Had Durant stayed in Brooklyn, the Nets could have been dangerous even with Kyrie Irving having been traded earlier this week. In opting to move off KD, the Nets made it clear that the next era is being prioritized over the now past-tense ‘big 3’ era.
Boston now has one less contender to worry about in the east, with the Bucks now serving as the lone significant roadblock the team must worry about. Granted, teams like the Heat and Cavaliers could make big moves today, and the 76ers are competition in theory — even if Boston has had their number over the past several seasons.
But Brooklyn’s title hopes being traded away only further the idea that the east is the C’s to lose.