The Kevin Durant fiasco: Why it was a waste of time

         A little while ago, Kevin Durant officially shut down any trade rumors when his decision was announced Tuesday via Twitter. Kevin Durant and Nets General Manager Sean Marks agreed to "move forward." It simply means that KD isn't going anywhere else, but it begs the question...what was this all for? 

Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated

 

        With Irving missing a lot of the 2021-22 season (due to being unvaccinated) and Harden anxious to leave, the Nets survived mainly on Durant, and he was a good team leader. However, with a 44-38 record, Brooklyn squeezed into the playoffs before being squashed by the Celtics in four games. A frustrated Durant would obviously want to leave. The Nets situation looked really good with Harden and Irving, but with Harden gone, the possible and plausible dynasty was over. While trade rumors swirled around Durant, they've all stopped as Durant is in Brooklyn to stay. There are plenty of reasons it wouldn't have worked for Philadelphia's rising team. 

        1. The team is loaded.

    There isn't really much of a reason to acquire Durant, when the Sixers are fully capable by themselves. James Harden and Tyrese Maxey are both excellent guards. While Harden brings loads of skill, talent, and athleticism to the 76ers squad through a lengthy NBA "resume," he also is a helpful teacher, to the rising star in Maxey. And not to mention, the Sixers added sharpshooters De 'Anthony Melton and Danuel House, who add talent behind the arc, and veteran P.J. Tucker to the mix. The Sixers already have a talented and crowded lineup, so adding Durant would be nice, but isn't necessary for Philadelphia to make a deep playoff run. 

 Durant averaged 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists

                                                                    Photo Credit: The New York Times

         2. Oh, and also Joel Embiid.

    Joel Embiid is one whole reason in and of himself. An MVP nominee, Embiid is the reason the 76ers have been consistently doing well the past couple of years. Keep in mind his 30.6 points per game and his 11.7 rebounds per game. In the 2015-16 season, the Sixers finished last in the league with a jaw dropping 10-72 record. Two years later, Embiid guided the Sixers to a 52-30 record and they finished with an astounding 16 win streak. Coincidence? I think not. 

            3. Durant's age.

    Durant's age definitely brings up minor concerns. KD is 33 and isn't getting any younger. Of course this is a minor concern given his talent, however, it's worth considering. Harden and Tucker are the veterans of the team, and adding Durant would be nice, but not necessary. Durant seemingly wanted to leave because he didn't look like he would win any championships, so we can question his loyalty, a major concern in today's NBA. Players leave teams often because of lack of winning or disagreement, thus forming "Super Teams."

        Adding Durant was an interesting idea, but just not a necessity: the Sixers are fine as they are now. Over all, especially after what happened, the trade hype was not worth anyone's time.