NBA Rumors: Exec Believes Kevin Durant More Likely to Retire Than Play for Nets Again

Kevin may be willing to play hardball in order to get the Brooklyn Nets to agree to his trade request.

According to Stein, a team executive told him during the NBA Summer League that he was more likely to retire than play for the Brooklyn Nets.

Stein wrote that the situation hasn't changed since then.

"If Durant hasn't been traded by [training camp], there is a growing expectation in league circles that he will continue trying to cause as much of a ruckus behind the scenes to try to prod the Nets into lowering their asking price at last to facilitate a deal. If it wasn't apparent by now, he really wants that trade to Phoenix or Miami or maybe even Boston or Philadelphia, no matter what it does to his reputation when he hasn't played a single game yet under the four-year, $194 million contract extension signed in August 2021."

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Nets team governor was given a ultimatum by the 12-time All-Star. According to Charania, he "reiterated his trade request and informed Tsai that he needs to choose between the two."

He made it clear that he's behind Marks and Nash when he spoke.

Joe Tsai @joetsai1999

Our front office and coaching staff have my support. We will make decisions in the best interest of the Brooklyn Nets.

The Nets aren't going to accept less than what they think is fair market value, as evidenced by the fact that Kevin Durant is still a member. They made clear privately that they would take every last asset from a team that trades for Durant.

Threatening to retire is a tactic that could force Brooklyn to make a decision. Taking the best offer on the table, even if it's below what Marks wants, is better than nothing.

If KD goes down this route, the Nets will remain steadfast and he will put himself in a no win situation. He can either back down and make his protest pointless or he can retire and make that the last image of his career.

Charles Barkley spoke for more than a few fans when he described the 6'10 forward as "riding the bus" in reference to the two titles he won with the Golden State Warriors.

NBA on TNT @NBAonTNT

"If you ain't driving the bus, don't walk around talkin' bout you a champion!"

Chuck sounds off on KD's playoff performance. pic.twitter.com/NSULRff4nD

Walking away now would give more evidence to those who don't like him. Leaving behind a mess he helped create is the kind of thing that would linger around him for a long time.