Another day on the Durant-a-whirl, guess what the rumor is now
They gave the Durant-a-Whirl another spin today. You’ll never guess.
To the Nets. With Kawhi Leonard and Tobias Harris, if SNY TV is to be believed.
Tomorrow, it is rumored, it will be the conservatory. With Col. Mustard and Professor Plum.
It’s official. It is now impossible to process the breathless reports purporting to know the location of Kevin Durant’s next landing space. We are Lucy and Ethel at the conveyor belt, chocolates racing past faster than they can box them, shoving the confectionaries in their mouths, in their hats, down their blouses.
Today’s bulletin, by the way, is sponsored by Sources Anonymous, practicing righteous certitude since Barry Bonds was a cinch to sign with the Braves after the 1992 NLCS.
To the details: SNY reporter Anthony Puccio, citing “several league sources” claims big-name talent will at least consider signing with Brooklyn in July. “If they decided to leave” their current teams.
“Sources.” “At least.” “Consider.” “If.”
How about this? Brooklyn forward Caris LeVert was called “Baby Durant” in college. He and Durant had the same surgeon when both had foot surgeries in 2015. They trained together two years ago in California. From the SNY story: “Zach Lowe of ESPN has mentioned the relationship and described how Durant loves LeVert.”
And: “SNY has learned that while Durant has yet to make any sort of decision, he’s interested in playing alongside the 24-year-old LeVert.”
Not saying none of this true. But if you’re an elite basketball player, you’re going to make a lot of acquaintances in high school, summer leagues, college, NBA. LeVert told ESPN Durant is “like a brother.” But if you’ll recall, Durant had a brotherly relationship with Russell Westbrook at OKC. He bolted for the Warriors without telling his bestie.
Assuming Durant is as circumspect now as he was then, it makes you wonder where these sources are getting their information. If not from the horse’s mouth, …
Puccio expects Leonard “to at least give the Nets a look.” Reason being: Leonard’s uncle has “a solid rapport” with Nets general manager Sean Marks. And a Brooklyn assistant coach played four years with Leonard in San Antonio.
Oh, and P.S.: Puccio says Kyrie Irving, a Nets fan growing up, “is a name worth keeping in mind, too.” Ditto Jimmy Butler and Kemba Walker.
Looks like the Nets are going to need a bigger team plane.
This is one breakdown of just one Durant rumor that’s long on supposition and short on specifics. Hey, it may come true. One of these flights of fancy — Durant to the Clippers, the Knicks, the Celtics, the Lakers — is going to have hit the mark.
In the meantime, maybe have a chocolate and chill.