Tyrese Maxey Surprises Young Sixers Fan Stunned by Kevin Durant Trade Rumors

The Brooklyn Nets have been the team to watch this offseason. As Ben Simmons’ debut with the squad looms after he missed the entire 2021-2022 season, and Kyrie Irving’s future with the franchise was left in doubt as he searched for sign-and-trade scenarios, Kevin Durant really shook things up when he requested a trade just one year after signing a multi-year extension.

As expected, Durant’s trade request shook up the league. Not even an hour after the news broke that he wanted out, rumors indicated that more than half the league inquired about what it would take to land the superstar forward and future Hall of Fame.

Philadelphia 76ers fans were in on the action. As expected, they wanted the Sixers to find a way to land James Harden’s former teammate, acknowledging that it would certainly cost one of their young stars, Tyrese Maxey, who has tremendous upside.

Although Maxey hasn’t been in Philly for long, the former first-round pick became a fan favorite almost immediately during his rookie season. By year two, he’s viewed as a full-time starter and likely a future All-Star. Parting ways with Maxey makes sense in a deal for a player of Durant’s caliber, but a young Sixers fan didn’t like the idea of Maxey leaving, even if it was for Durant.

Told my 8 year old son that there is a rumor that the @sixers may try to trade for Durant. He was excited. I then told him that they would have to include @TyreseMaxey in the trade and this happened…. pic.twitter.com/2x8FEDWPet
— james wagner (@jameswa40821344) July 4, 2022

The viral video of the young emotional Sixers fan caught Maxey’s eye earlier this week, and the soon-to-be third-year guard tweeted that he would get his supporter a jersey. In addition, Maxey met with the kid virtually to send him a live message, courtesy of Dave Uram of KYW News Radio.

VIDEO: @TyreseMaxey surprises the young @sixers fan who became emotional at the thought of Tyrese playing for another team.

8-year-old Zack Wagner is @KYWNewsradio's Philadelphia Sports Fan of the Week for his passion and commitment to the Sixers. https://t.co/2UPrBsYDve pic.twitter.com/NlgZKLbG3l
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) July 7, 2022

“I’m glad to see you smiling,” said Maxey. “No more crying! We’re gonna get you a jersey, and I’m gonna sign it, and hey, whatever the future holds, it’s gonna be all right because you’re gonna have that jersey.”

Fortunately for the young fan, Maxey is unlikely to part ways with the Sixers. As the Nets have sky-high demands for a Durant trade, Philadelphia’s lack of draft assets won’t put the Sixers near the top of the race for the superstar’s sweepstakes.

And considering the Sixers reportedly view Maxey as a franchise player, it’s unlikely they’ll even entertain trade offers coming their way unless another star is involved.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.

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