Kevin Durant Surprised With Birthday Cake At Nets Practice

Kevin Durant has had some turbulent times with the Brooklyn Nets over the past few months. Back in July, Durant requested a trade from the Nets, although the team was unable to find a proper suitor. Eventually, Durant decided to scrap his request and simply ride it out with his team. After all, he is under contract for four more seasons, which gives the Nets all the leverage.

This week, Durant started training camp with the Nets, and it comes at a very interesting time for Durant. We say that because today marks Durant’s 34th birthday. He is in his 16th NBA season, and he is only a few years younger than his rival, LeBron James.

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Despite the issues he’s had with the franchise, they still came through for his birthday as the team gifted KD a birthday cake in the middle of practice. As you can see in the clip below, the cake was wheeled out in front of the whole team, and Durant seemed pretty embarrassed by it all. Regardless, it was a nice little team bonding moment.

Durant and the Nets are looking to turn things around this season, and they have a real opportunity to. Hopefully, Durant can prove doubters wrong as he tries to regain confidence in Kyrie Irving and his new teammate, Ben Simmons.

Stephen A. Smith Delivers Harsh Words To Kevin Durant

Stephen A. Smith has been a staunch critic of Kevin Durant over the past few years. With that being said, there is a lot to critique KD over. This is especially true when you consider how KD tried to hold the Nets hostage this past summer. Durant requested a trade from the team that never actually came to fruition. He lost his battle with team owner Joe Tsai, and Smith has had a lot of fun with his criticisms of the situation.

Durant got to speak on Monday during the Nets’ media day. KD was asked plenty of questions about his commitment to the Nets, especially in light of his previous trade request. Durant was quite defensive when answering the question, and he even claimed that his play on the court speaks for itself and that his commitment cannot be questioned.

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Stephen A. certainly doesn’t see it that way, and he let his feelings be known during yesterday’s episode of First Take. As you can see in the clip down below, Smith accused KD of wanting to run from the grind, while also saying that this is KD’s team and it is his responsibility to make it work.

“Essentially you were ready to cut and run. That’s your team. … When your that dude and you don’t like the way things are, you’ve got some influence to change it!” Smith said.

Let us know what you think of Smith’s take, in the comments section down below.

SOURCE SPORTS: Stephen Curry Says the Warriors Explored Bringing Back Kevin Durant This Summer

Warriors

Earlier in the summer, when Kevin Durant was still available via trade, there were rumors of a possible reunion with the Golden State Warriors. Speaking with Rolling Stone, Warriors star guard Stephen Curry revealed the team did explore the idea of adding Durant back into the fold.

“There was a conversation internally amongst us about ‘If he was available, would you?’” Curry said. “Every team has those conversations, and obviously in our situation, they’re gonna call me and ask me, ‘How do you feel about it?’

“I was never hesitant. The idea of playing with KD and knowing who he is as a person, from our history in those three years, I think KD’s a really good dude. I think he is misunderstood. I think he has had certain things happen in his life that hurt his ability to trust people around him, in a sense of making him feel safe at all times. So all of those things, I understand, having played with him and gotten to know him. I love that dude.”

Ultimately the deal didn’t happen, and Durant is back in Brooklyn, which Curry was telling Snoop Dogg was the best deal for him.

“Man, he thinks that they’re gonna go to teams — like if he went to Phoenix — that they’re gonna be the same team if he’s there,” Curry said to Snoop.

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SOURCE SPORTS: The Atlanta Hawks Sent an Offer to the Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Durant

Durant, Irving, Aldridge Clear Health and Safety Protocols

Kevin Durant remains on the trading block as the Brooklyn Nets have yet to receive an offer that would make them want to part with arguably the best player on the planet.

With the Boston Celtics and Miami HEAT seeming to be the likely destination, the Atlanta Hawks attempted to throw their name into the KD chase.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Hawks attempted to pair Durant with Trae Young and new teammate Dejounte Murray. The Hawks reportedly offered a package of John Collins, De’Andre Hunter, and one draft pick.

Last month, Kevin Durant stood firm in his request for a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. To the general public, it appears not much has changed or shaken up since.

A new report from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes that KD will hold out of training camp.

“A week ago, if you had asked me, ‘Will Kevin Durant hold out of training camp if he’s not traded?’ I would have been like, ‘Ehh, I can’t see it,’” Windhorst said. “Now I can see it. That is what we’re headed toward.”

Brooklyn Nets governor Joe Tsai has heard Kevin Durant’s demand and has firmly cemented himself behind the team’s front office.

In a report on The Athletic, Shams Charania wrote Durant had a meeting with Nets owner Joseph Tsai and laid down the ultimatum of keeping him or head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks. According to Charania, Durant stated he did not “have faith in the team’s direction.”

The meeting between Durant and Tsai was stated to have been “transparent and professional.”

In a tweet last Monday, Tsai cemented his support for Nash and Marks.

In June, Kevin Durant sent ripple effects through the NBA world when he formally asked for a trade. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, KD made a direct trade request to Nets owner Joe Tsai.

Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks was working alongside Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman to find a new home for Durant. KD named the Phoenix Suns and Miami HEAT as where he would like to play next. Now, the Suns are out of the running after inking center DeAndre Ayton to a massive deal. The HEAT is believed to still be an option, along with the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Kevin Durant Rumored to Hold Out of Brooklyn Nets Training Camp

Durant, Irving, Aldridge Clear Health and Safety Protocols

Last week, Kevin Durant stood firm in his request for a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. To the general public, it appears not much has changed or shaken up since.

A new report from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes that KD will hold out of training camp.

A week ago, if you had asked me, ‘Will Kevin Durant hold out of training camp if he’s not traded?’ I would have been like, ‘Ehh, I can’t see it,’” Windhorst said. “Now I can see it. That is what we’re headed toward.”

Brooklyn Nets governor Joe Tsai has heard Kevin Durant’s demand and has firmly cemented himself behind the team’s front office.

In a report on The Athletic, Shams Charania wrote Durant had a meeting with Nets owner Joseph Tsai and laid down the ultimatum of keeping him or head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks. According to Charania, Durant stated he did not “have faith in the team’s direction.”

The meeting between Durant and Tsai was stated to have been “transparent and professional.”

In a tweet last Monday, Tsai cemented his support for Nash and Marks.

In June, Kevin Durant sent ripple effects through the NBA world when he formally asked for a trade. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, KD made a direct trade request to Nets owner Joe Tsai.

Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks was working alongside Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman to find a new home for Durant. KD named the Phoenix Suns and Miami HEAT as where he would like to play next. Now, the Suns are out of the running after inking center DeAndre Ayton to a massive deal. The HEAT is believed to still be an option, along with the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Kevin Durant Rumored to Hold Out of Brooklyn Nets Training Camp appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Kevin Durant Rumored to Hold Out of Brooklyn Nets Training Camp

Durant, Irving, Aldridge Clear Health and Safety Protocols

Last week, Kevin Durant stood firm in his request for a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. To the general public, it appears not much has changed or shaken up since.

A new report from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst believes that KD will hold out of training camp.

A week ago, if you had asked me, ‘Will Kevin Durant hold out of training camp if he’s not traded?’ I would have been like, ‘Ehh, I can’t see it,’” Windhorst said. “Now I can see it. That is what we’re headed toward.”

Brooklyn Nets governor Joe Tsai has heard Kevin Durant’s demand and has firmly cemented himself behind the team’s front office.

In a report on The Athletic, Shams Charania wrote Durant had a meeting with Nets owner Joseph Tsai and laid down the ultimatum of keeping him or head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks. According to Charania, Durant stated he did not “have faith in the team’s direction.”

The meeting between Durant and Tsai was stated to have been “transparent and professional.”

In a tweet last Monday, Tsai cemented his support for Nash and Marks.

In June, Kevin Durant sent ripple effects through the NBA world when he formally asked for a trade. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, KD made a direct trade request to Nets owner Joe Tsai.

Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks was working alongside Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman to find a new home for Durant. KD named the Phoenix Suns and Miami HEAT as where he would like to play next. Now, the Suns are out of the running after inking center DeAndre Ayton to a massive deal. The HEAT is believed to still be an option, along with the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Brooklyn Nets Governor Joe Tsai Backs Front Office Over Kevin Durant

Durant, Irving, Aldridge Clear Health and Safety Protocols

Brooklyn Nets governor Joe Tsai has heard Kevin Durant’s demand and has firmly cemented himself behind the team’s front office.

In a report on The Athletic, Shams Charania wrote Durant had a meeting with Nets owner Joseph Tsai and laid down the ultimatum of keeping him or head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks. According to Charania, Durant stated he did not “have faith in the team’s direction.”

The meeting between Durant and Tsai was stated to have been “transparent and professional.”

In a tweet on Monday, Tsai cemented his support for Nash and Marks.

In June, Kevin Durant sent ripple effects through the NBA world when he formally asked for a trade. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, KD made a direct trade request to Nets owner Joe Tsai.

Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks was working alongside Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman to find a new home for Durant. KD named the Phoenix Suns and Miami HEAT as where he would like to play next. Now, the Suns are out of the running after inking center DeAndre Ayton to a massive deal. The HEAT is believed to still be an option, along with the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Kevin Durant Gives Nets Ultimatum Between Him or GM and Coach

Kevin Durant Directly Asks Nets Owner Joe Tsai for a Trade

It was quiet on the Kevin Durant and Brooklyn Nets front for a while, leading many to believe KD would call Barclays Center home court next season. And then Shams Charania came through with breaking news.

In a report on The Athletic, Charania wrote Durant had a meeting with Nets owner Joseph Tsai and laid down the ultimatum of keeping him or head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks. According to Charania, Durant stated he did not “have faith in the team’s direction.”

The meeting between Durant and Tsai was stated to have been “transparent and professional.”

In June, Kevin Durant sent ripple effects through the NBA world on when he formally asked for a trade. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, KD made a direct trade request to Nets owner Joe Tsai.

Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks was working alongside Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman to find a new home for Durant. KD named the Phoenix Suns and Miami HEAT as where he would like to play next. Now, the Suns are out of the running after inking center DeAndre Ayton to a massive deal. The HEAT are believed to still be an option, along with the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Deandre Ayton Signs $133M Offer Sheet and Potentially Cancels Any Durant to Suns Move

deandreayton

The NBA offseason continues to run wild. Phoenix Suns restricted free agent center Deandre Ayton has signed a four-year, $133 million maximum contract extension with the Indiana Pacers. The contract is the largest offer sheet in NBA history.

According to ESPN, the previous largest offer sheet was four years and $107 million inked between Otto Porter Jr. and the Brooklyn Nets. His team, the Washington Wizards, matched the offer. The Phoenix Suns are reportedly going to match the Pacers’ offer to Ayton.

The offer sheet cancels out any sign and trade deal involving Ayton to the Nets in exchange for Kevin Durant or anywhere else. If the Suns match, Ayton cannot be traded until January 15, and he has the power to veto any trade for a year.

Last month, Kevin Durant sent ripple effects through the NBA when he formally asked for a trade. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, KD made a direct trade request to Nets owner Joe Tsai. Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks is working alongside Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman to find a new home for Durant. KD named the Phoenix Suns and Miami HEAT as where he would like to play next. ESPN noted over half of the NBA contacted the Nets to check into Durant’s availability.

The belief then was that Ayton could be a key piece to the Suns landing Durant. That looks to be all but lost now.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Kevin Durant Directly Asks Nets Owner Joe Tsai for a Trade

Kevin Durant Directly Asks Nets Owner Joe Tsai for a Trade

Kevin Durant sent ripple effects through the NBA world on Thursday when he formally asked for a trade. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, KD made a direct trade request to Nets owner Joe Tsai.

Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks is working alongside Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman to find a new home for Durant. KD has named the Phoenix Suns and Miami HEAT as where he would like to play next. ESPN noted over half of the NBA contacted the Nets to check into Durant’s availability.

Durant’s trade request comes just days after Nets co-star Kyrie Irving decided to return to the team to “full his commitment” to the organization and Durant. Now the belief is Irving will also be moved. Options for Irving currently include the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks.

Durant and Irving reportedly have had no contact with the Nets after opting into his deal. There is a small possibility that the Nets could move Irving and Durant together.

Last year, Durant averaged 29.9 points, 7.4 points, and 6.4 assists. Durant is under contract for the next four years.

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