NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant Trade with Jaylen Brown Seen as 'Unofficial Front-Runner'

According to a report, the Boston Celtics are the front-runner to land the Oklahoma star.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, league executives think the Celtics plan to use Jaylen Brown as the center of talks is the best offer on the table. According to Amick, Boston's offer sets a baseline expectation for other teams to offer the Brooklyn Nets at least their second-best player in return for KD.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Celtics offered Brown, White and a future draft pick for Kevin Durant. The Celtics asked for multiple draft picks.

The two sides have been at a stalemate since Boston rejected the counter offer.

The Nets have moved at their own pace in trying to get a deal done with the Warriors. Brooklyn initially set a huge price for two All-Stars. Smart has never made an All-Star team, despite being the reigning defensive player of the year. The Nets are willing to take a one-time All-Star in Brown and Smart, along with picks, in return for the player.

Brooklyn will have to lower its expectations more before a deal is done. In order to get a deal done, the Celtics will have to part with either Smart or Robert Williams III. A borderline All-Star and a good role player is the bare minimum of what the Nets should seek in return. The amount of future draft picks being offered in the deal is a good bet for Boston.

If the Nets governor wanted his future Hall of Famer back next season, he would have to meet with Joe Tsai and demand the dismissal of Steve Nash and Sean Marks. After the meeting was leaked, Tsai went to social media and said he didn't plan to fire either Nash or Marks.

The relationship between the Nets and Durant has become toxic. Brooklyn is trying to get every ounce of value out of a deal with KD.