While Kevin Durant trade rumors were swirling around, the Minnesota Timberwolves swung for the fences, dealing four first round picks to the Utah Jazz for star center Rudy Gobert. The blockbuster deal was one of the more aggressive ones in NBA history, as not many teams have felt so emboldened as to part ways with so many premium draft choices. As many expected, the Gobert deal is expected to have a huge impact on the Nets' Durant trade talks. Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype has the details.

According to rival NBA executives who’ve spoken to the Nets, the asking price remains high for 12-time All-Star Kevin Durant, and is expected to go up following the boatload of draft picks the Timberwolves gave up to acquire Rudy Gobert.

Pundits and fans speculated about such an occurrence, but Scotto is hearing that it's actually happening. The Nets' price tag for Durant is expected to go up following the Jazz Gobert trade with the Timberwolves.

Reports have suggested that the Nets are looking for two “All-Star players” in return for Durant. If Gobert, a three-time Defensive player of the Year award-winner, could net four first rounders, what could Durant get?

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Naz Reid with an X in front of him. Front and center is Mike Conley and to the left Chris Finch

Sheldon Wohlman ·

Zach Lowe believes that the Minnesota Timberwolves' upcoming matchup with the Phoenix Suns is a 'worst case scenario'.

Randall Barnes ·

Suns Vs. Timberwolves Game 1 Results Simulated With NBA 2K24

Massimo Marchiano ·

After all, it's not every day that a former NBA MVP and two-time Finals MVP becomes available via trade. Just last January, the Nets mortgaged their future when they traded for then-Houston Rockets star James Harden.

Now, it appears that Brooklyn will have a chance to recoup a lot of the draft capital they lost. Buckle up NBA fans. The Durant trade appears poised to blow the Gobert deal out of the water.