Kevin Durant Reveals Reason Behind Requesting Trade From Brooklyn Nets

KD also said he understood why the Nets placed a high price tag on him.

Sports
3.9K 3 Comments
Save

During the NBA offseason, Kevin Durant was at the top of the conversation when it came to his trade request from the Brooklyn Nets. After much anticipation and back and forth between himself and management, KD decided to stay with the Nets after all.

At the most recent NBA media day, the press asked KD to explain his decision to stay with the Nets. Durant was able to settle the rumors once and for all and finally addressed the real reason why he initially made the trade request and how his current decision came about. He admitted that he did not feel he would achieve success in a team riddled with injuries, which later led to major uncertainty within the organization. KD acknowledges that he knows there is a clock on his time with the NBA and he hopes to be with a championship-caliber team at this point of his career. He said,

“It was a lot of uncertainty around our team last year. I committed to this organization for four years last summer with the idea that we were gonna be playing with that group that we kinda went on that little round, went to the second round with.

I felt like another year of that, us being healthy we were building something towards the future. So then as the season went on, you seen what happened with our season. Guys in and out of the lineup, injuries, just a lot of uncertainty which filled some doubt in my mind about the next 4 years of my career.

I mean I’m getting older, I want to be in a place that’s stable and try to build a championship culture so I had some doubts about that. I voiced them to Joe (Tsai) and we move forward from there.”

KD also explained that he was appreciative that the Nets stuck to their high asking price for him. When asked if he was surprised at the figure the Nets presented, he said he was not because he understood his worth,

“No. I know I’m that good that you’re just not going to just give me away. That’s one thing I did appreciate about Sean and Joe, that’s like ‘You’re too great for us to give you away. Just that easy, that simple.’ So I understand that, I know who I am.”

Brooklyn Nets play their first game of the season against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 20.

In other sports news, the NFL announces “The Pro Bowl Games” featuring flag football.

Read Full Article
Text By
Share this article
Joyce Li
Joyce Li Editor

For over half a decade, Joyce Li has served as an Editor on Hypebeast's global team, leveraging profound industry insights to capture the zeitgeist. Through her editorial lens, she anticipates emerging trends while dedicating her platform to spotlighting those making the greatest impact on culture today. A storyteller first and foremost, she examines the cross-pollination of fashion, footwear, art, music, and sports. This intersectional approach has led to compelling interviews with industry-defining figures like LeBron James, Pharrell Williams, Tom Brady, NIGO, A$AP Rocky, KAWS, and more.

What to Read Next

Official Images of Kevin Durant’s Nike KD 19 “Butter Candy”
Footwear

Official Images of Kevin Durant’s Nike KD 19 “Butter Candy”

Doused from upper to outsole in its titular hue.

Nike Basketball Unveils Kevin Durant's New KD 19 "Candy Apple"
Footwear

Nike Basketball Unveils Kevin Durant's New KD 19 "Candy Apple"

The nineteenth signature model debuts in a vibrant tonal “University Red” colorway.

Nike and Drake's NOCTA Team up for Kevin Durant Apparel Collection
Fashion

Nike and Drake's NOCTA Team up for Kevin Durant Apparel Collection

Here’s a first look at the upcoming basketball capsule reportedly merges Drake’s sub-label aesthetic with Kevin Durant’s signature style.


Nike Officially Unveils Kevin Durant's 19th Signature Shoe, the KD19
Footwear

Nike Officially Unveils Kevin Durant's 19th Signature Shoe, the KD19

The visually striking silhouette channels the “Slim Reaper” with an exterior TPU dagger and a multilayered cushioning system.

Netflix Releases Official 'Lupin: Part 3' Teaser
Entertainment

Netflix Releases Official 'Lupin: Part 3' Teaser

Promising an “unexpected return.”

Megan Thee Stallion's 'Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too' Website Features Mental Health Resources for All
Music

Megan Thee Stallion's 'Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too' Website Features Mental Health Resources for All

Featuring official links and helplines for different matters.

Interpol Issues "Red Notice" for the Arrest of Terra's Do Kwon
Tech & Gadgets

Interpol Issues "Red Notice" for the Arrest of Terra's Do Kwon

The crypto founder is now an internationally wanted fugitive.

Leslie Grace Shares 'Batgirl' Behind-the-Scenes Footage
Entertainment

Leslie Grace Shares 'Batgirl' Behind-the-Scenes Footage

Adding to the #ReleaseBatgirl fan campaign.

Mike Cherman Shares "D.I.Y. YEEZY" RW SUNGLASSES KIT
Fashion

Mike Cherman Shares "D.I.Y. YEEZY" RW SUNGLASSES KIT

The latest offering from Random Workshop by MARKET.

size? Restocks New Balance 550 "College Pack"
Footwear

size? Restocks New Balance 550 "College Pack"

Drawing from ’80s basketball nostalgia.


NASA Lands Bullseye In Historic Asteroid Redirection Test
Tech & Gadgets

NASA Lands Bullseye In Historic Asteroid Redirection Test

Successfully crashing its DART spacecraft at 15,000 mph.

Denzel Curry Debuts "X-Wing" Visual, Announces 'MELT MY EYEZ SEE YOUR FUTURE' Extended Edition With Livestream
Music

Denzel Curry Debuts "X-Wing" Visual, Announces 'MELT MY EYEZ SEE YOUR FUTURE' Extended Edition With Livestream

The upcoming release will feature Curry and Cold Blooded Soul Band performing the tracks live in one take.

MSCHF Sells 1,000 Keys For 1 Shared Mystery Car
Automotive

MSCHF Sells 1,000 Keys For 1 Shared Mystery Car

Located somewhere in New York City.

Nike Air Max Plus 3 Gets Outfitted With Double Spray Painted Swooshes
Footwear

Nike Air Max Plus 3 Gets Outfitted With Double Spray Painted Swooshes

Slated to arrive in the coming weeks.

Netflix Drops Exclusive First Look Clip at Chris Hemsworth's Return for 'Extraction 2'
Entertainment

Netflix Drops Exclusive First Look Clip at Chris Hemsworth's Return for 'Extraction 2'

The blockbuster sequel sees Hemsworth return as Tyler Rake.

Watch TechRax Test the Apple Watch Ultra's Durability
Watches

Watch TechRax Test the Apple Watch Ultra's Durability

From drops tests, nails, and even a hammer.

More ▾