According to a journalist from the New York Post, one of the main factors in Kevin Durant not forcing a trade in February this year to the Phoenix Suns did not happen
The permanence of Kevin Durant last season could have happened, after the departure of Kyrie Irvingonly if the shipowner Ben Simmons was healthy. The information was given by the journalist Brian Lewisfrom the “New York Post”.
According to the reporter, Simmons’ health condition was one of the main factors that led KD to force a trade in February, which led him to the Phoenix Suns. Ben was limited to 42 games last season, due to different injuries, having the worst average of his entire career. The idea that the player’s presence would have been enough to repair the complicated relationship between the franchise’s management and Durant seems unlikely.
Kevin Durant had already requested a trade previously, in the 2022 offseason, due to frustration with the team, and Irving’s departure would have been the last straw. Most people expected Simmons to be 100% healthy at the start of last season, but if the point guard’s health was so important, it’s unlikely the number 35 would want to leave before the 2022/23 season. Perhaps, if Ben had been healthy and performing at an All-Star level, neither Durant nor Irving would have attempted a trade.
The hope is that Ben Simmons returns to form this season to help the Brooklyn Nets be a contender for the Eastern Conference title, even without other big names on their roster. The three-time All-Star has a contract worth more than $78 million over the next two seasons.
Source: sportbuzz
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