Memphis Grizzlies ‘interested in Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant, could deal FIVE first-round picks’

As rumors around the Brooklyn Nets and superstar Kevin Durant continue to swirl, more and more teams become linked with a deal for the wantaway forward.

The latest team to enter the picture are the Western Conference semifinalist Memphis Grizzlies, a team with plenty of young budding stars an numerous first round picks.

According to The Athletic, Memphis joins the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors as possible trade partners with Brooklyn.

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This comes after Durant issued an ultimatum to Nets owner Joe Tsai: either he keeps head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks or the Nets keep Durant in New York City next season.

Tsai publicly expressed his support for both Marks and Nash after the news of the ultimatum was leaked.

While Boston, Miami, and Toronto are all the favorites to land Durant, Memphis offers a unique opportunity for KD to join a young team that needs a leader, but can still compete for a title.

Memphis is a relatively young team. Of the 14 players who averaged more than 10 minutes per game, only Kyle Anderson and Steven Adams were aged 28 or older.

The 34-year old Durant is still one of the best players in the league despite his age and longevity in the NBA. 

While it’s unclear what a fully formed trade package would look like, Memphis has five first-round draft picks that could be included in a potential deal.

As for players, the Nets are sure to have their eyes on the Grizzlies’ bevy of young talent, including Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke, Ziaire Williams, Kennedy Chandler, and David Roddy.

However, The Athletic says Memphis will not consider including Jackson or Bane in a potential trade, choosing instead to rely heavily on their draft picks. 

Durant’s desire to leave Brooklyn may lead him to Memphis and the young, talented Grizzlies