Memphis Grizzlies Latest Team Linked to Kevin Durant Sweepstakes

According to The Athletic, a new team has entered the Kevin Durant sweepstakes.  

According to the report, the Memphis Grizzlies have started discussions with the Nets about trading for the 12-time All-Star. 

A Kevin Durant Trade to Grizzlies Would Drop Their NBA Odds

Memphis has the draft assets for a Durant deal, including five first-round draft picks and plenty of young talent. But the Grizzlies have made it clear to the Nets that they would not include Jaren Jackson Jr. or Desmond Bane in a potential deal.  

At DraftKings Sportsbook, odds on Durant going to the Grizzlies have been dropping throughout the day. 

They’re now down to +2000 after being +2500 earlier this morning. Depending on how serious the discussions between the two teams get, this could be the best number possible with training camps set to open a month from now.  

Nets Still Favored to Keep Kevin Durant 

Just two weeks ago Durant reiterated his trade request to Nets Owner Joe Tsai. Durant went even further and requested that if Tsai wants to keep him, he will need to fire coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks to force Tsai’s hand.  

Despite continued talks around a Durant deal, teams have been unable to meet the Nets’ high demands for Durant. 

The Nets are looking to get an All-Star, multiple established players or numerous draft picks. There have been offers, just none that have met that asking price. As it stands on DraftKings, the Nets are favored to have Durant by the start of this season at –170.  

The Boston Celtics (+225 to get Durant) might have been the closest to reaching the Nets' demands, offering All-Star Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and a first-round draft pick. 

Toronto (+600) was considered a key player in the Durant sweepstakes but made it known Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes is off limits. 

The Heat (+800) were one of the teams Durant put on his trade wish list, but Miami has yet to include a package with All-Star Bam Adebayo.  

Other Teams Hoping to Trade for Kevin Durant

The Athletic also reported the Philadelphia 76ers (+2000), Denver Nuggets (+4000) and Milwaukee Bucks (+5000) reached out to the Nets in late June and early July to see what it would take to get Durant. It’s unclear what those teams were willing to offer, and the conversations didn’t go anywhere. 

The New Orleans Pelicans (+2500) also reached out but said All-Star Brandon Ingram was untouchable, while the Atlanta Hawks (+5000) offered John Collins, De’Andre Hunter and a draft pick for Durant.  

Phoenix (+300) was the other team on Durant’s preferred list, but the Nets have not been interested in what the Suns have offered so far. 

Phoenix’s deal has centered around Mikal Bridgers and multiple draft picks. But since signing Deandre Ayton to a four-year max deal, the Suns now likely have to find a third or fourth team to draw enough interest from the Nets to send Durant to Phoenix.  

As the start of training camp nears, it will be interesting to see if teams are willing to meet the Nets’ asking price and include more in their offers, or if Brooklyn ends up settling. But as of now, sportsbooks have Durant staying put for 2022-23.