Report: Nets Don't Plan to Trade Kevin Durant Ahead at Deadline

The Phoenix Suns are hoping to do some business ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline.

Jae Crowder still sits on the roster, and there's just something else missing from the puzzle in order to help push the Suns over the top.

Phoenix emerged as a contender in the Kyrie Irving sweepstakes before ultimately falling short to the Dallas Mavericks.

However, they've long had their eye on Kevin Durant - Irving's former teammate and a player they targeted over the summer.

Many inquiring teams had hoped Durant would become available once the Irving trade became official, but the Nets are reportedly looking to hold on to their superstar forward after some discussions between the two parties according to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski.

In aftermath of Kyrie Irving trade, the Brooklyn Nets and Kevin Durant are having ongoing conversations on the direction of the franchise, but organization has thus far told inquiring teams that they’re not planning to trade him before Thursday’s deadline, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2023

The Suns reportedly offered Crowder, Chris Paul and a first-round pick for Irving, yet the price would have to undoubtedly increase should Durant become available.

This could be a negotiation tactic to drive the price higher, yet with receiving Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith in the trade from Dallas, the Nets may be sold on their chances of still competing this season.