High-Ranking 76ers Brass Interested in Kevin Durant Trade, per Report

With Kevin Durant having reaffirmed his desire to be traded, a division rival may emerge as a trade partner. SNY’s Ian Begley reports the “high-ranking members of the Sixers” are interested in discussing a Durant deal with the Nets.

According to Begley, Philadelphia would probably have to include Tyrese Maxey in any deal, and he theorizes that Tobias Harris and Matisse Thybulle would also have to be included. Maxey had a breakout season last year, averaging more than 17 points per game in 75 games, while Harris’s large contract would help satisfy any financial obstacles.

This offseason, the 76ers have already signed P.J. Tucker and De’Anthony Melton to try to improve on last year and signed James Harden to a two-year contract extension.

The Nets and 76ers are already familiar with each other as trade partners, having worked together to execute the Harden-for–Ben Simmons swap in February. However, for Philadelphia to pursue Durant in a trade, it will have to be O.K. reuniting him with Harden, who wanted out of Brooklyn after just one year with the team.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports Brooklyn would like to acquire “every last asset” from any team that wants Durant, making a trade difficult to pull off. The Celtics, Raptors and Heat are the three reported front-runners for Durant, all of whom are also Philadelphia’s rivals within the Eastern Conference.

• All 76ers: Sixers Announce 2022 Preseason Schedule

For more 76ers coverage, go to All 76ers.