Nets offseason drama continues with latest reports Durant issued an ultimatum to Joe Tsai over the weekend that the team owner needs to choose between Durant and the pairing of head coach Steve Nash and GM Sean Marks.
If Nets fans were still holding their breath until Kevin Durant changes his mind, take a break and go grab some air.
The offseason roller coaster the Nets have been on this summer took another sharp turn, per The Athletic.
According to the report, Durant issued an ultimatum to Joe Tsai over the weekend that the team owner needs to choose between Durant and the pairing of head coach Steve Nash and GM Sean Marks.
For those out the loop, by choice or not, Durant requested a trade in June.
According to the report, the Nets have “direct knowledge” concerning why the 12-time All-Star has asked out a year after he signed a four-year, $198 million extension.
And now, Durant appears to be doubling down on his request for the Nets to trade him — unless Marks or Nash, (or both?) are gone.
Durant and Tsai met in London over the weekend, according to The Athletic, where Durant told Tsai he has lost faith in the team’s direction. And now Tsai must make a decision.
It’s been one distraction after another for the Nets this year. Kyrie Irving missed a large portion of last season due to his unvaccinated status. In February, James Harden asked for, and eventually was granted, his way out of Brooklyn when he was traded to Philadelphia. The star player the Nets acquired in the Harden trade, Ben Simmons, never stepped on the court. Ultimately, the Nets were swept out of the first round by the Celtics.
Just when you think the offseason will give this team time to breathe and reset. There was Marks making it clear the team needs to get back their culture which made them an attraction for players, specifically Durant and Irving.
Somewhere within all of this, Durant decided he wants out. And now, at some point after that, it appears Durant still wants out — well — unless something’s done for him.
It’s a big moment for Tsai and Marks, specially Tsai. Because if this report is accurate, how the Nets owner responds to Durant’s — ultimatum — will set the tone for his team’s upcoming season.
Moreover, it’s important to remember the majority of this offseason talk centering around Durant is from reports. Durant hasn’t come out and spoken publicly about any of this. We’re going on reports, which, based on Durant’s lukewarm way of talking to the media, may or may not be the way to go when it’s time to place your bets on how this turns out.
We’ll settle in with our popcorn as the next part of this offseason soap opera unfolds.
Main Image: USA Today Sports / Brad Penner
Anthony Rushing is on Twitter @TonyRushingNY
Baseline Sports NY is on Twitter @Baseline_NY
