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🏀 The Nets Never Wanted to Trade Durant!

🏀 The Nets Never Wanted to Trade Durant!

Chris Lesiak
September 12, 2022

NBA greats welcomed to the Hall of Fame, Draymond Green inducted into the Michigan State Hall of Fame, and NBA executive claims the Nets never wanted to trade Kevin Durant.

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NBA HALL OF FAME

NBA Greats Welcomed to the Hall of Fame

On Saturday night, 13 new members officially earned a spot as a part of this year's 2022 Hall of Fame class. This long star studded list of NBA legends includes Tim Hardaway, Manu Ginobili, Swin Cash, Bob Huggins, Del Harris, Lindsay Whalen, Marianne Stanley, Theresa Shank Grentz, and George Karl. All of these new members made their enshrinement addresses this past Saturday in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The common theme throughout the night seemed to be how none of these new inductees had ever imagined making it to such an honorable level. “A kid from the east side of Chicago made it all the way to Springfield, Massachusetts,” Hardaway said. “Incredible.”

Ginobili was presented by current Hall of Famer and his former teammate, Tim Duncan. Manu called Tim “One of the best players to ever play the game” and “one of the best teammates” he could ask for. Next year, Tony Parker will be eligible for the Hall of Fame rounding off the Spurs big-three.

At the end of the ceremony there was a special tribute that was paid to two-time Hall of Fame inductee, Bill Russell. This special tribute was led off by Hall of Famers Jerry West and Alonzo Mourning as they paid respects to the passing of the 11-time champion. All in all a very memorable ceremony with an even more legendary class of inductees.

DRAYMOND GREEN

Draymond Green Inducted into Michigan State Hall of Fame

Over this past weekend Draymond Green has become forever ingrained in collegiate history as he and eight other members joined the Michigan State Hall of Fame as a part of the class of 2022.

Draymond returned to East Lansing over the weekend as he showed his family the place he called home for four years. Draymond’s standout career at Michigan State laid the groundwork for the four-time NBA All-Star that has dominated the NBA over the past ten seasons. Green concluded his college career as MSU’s all-time leading rebounder, second in career steals, and eighth in career blocks.

Green joined his former college coach, Tom Izzo, for a conversation in the Draymond Green Strength and Conditioning Center. Afterwards he was honored and recognized during halftime of the MSU-Akron football game for his legendary Spartan career.

KEVIN DURANT

NBA Exec Claims the Nets Never Wanted to Trade Kevin Durant

The Brooklyn Nets held many different talks this offseason revolving around trades for their All-Star forward Kevin Durant. However, Phoenix Suns general manager, James Jones, claims the Nets never actually wanted to move Durant.

Probably the biggest story of the 2022 NBA offseason came early on in June as Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. This request shocked many teams, executives, and fans around the world. Many people figured Kevin Durant was the missing piece to take their team over the top and win the NBA Championship. Although many have questioned if the Nets actually wanted to trade Durant including Suns GM, James Jones.

The Suns were heavily involved in the Durant trade talks and many believed they were the closest to making an actual deal for Durant. However, James Jones claimed that “Brooklyn wanted to keep Durant.” He also said “We had discussions with Brooklyn about their desires and what they were trying to do, but ultimately, I would say like most teams, there was nothing to it.”

Entering the 2022-23 season the Brooklyn Nets continue to dominate all media headlines as people continue to pick apart this franchise one bit at a time. But the question of will Kevin Durant play through the remainder of his four-year contract may not be answered until next off-season.