Bob Ryan certainly sounds happy the Kevin Durant sweepstakes are over.
On a recent episode of Ryan’s NBA podcast, the Hall of Fame sportswriter laid into the two-time champion, who recently reached an agreement to stay with the Nets.
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“I don’t want to win with him. I do not want him!,” said Ryan. “I want to win this group right here that we have seen assembled and grow. And now that we’ve added [Malcolm] Brogdon, I love this team! I don’t want to win with that s—head! I think he is one, frankly.”
The Celtics were linked to Durant throughout the summer, with NBA Insider Shams Charania reporting in July they centered at least one offer around Jaylen Brown. Boston was continually hailed as a “frontrunner” for Durant’s services, along with the Heat and Raptors.
But the Nets, who were reportedly asking for an astronomical return, opted to keep their disgruntled star. Durant signed a four-year, $198 million extension with the Nets last year. He’ll turn 34 in September.
It’s apparent the trade rumors bothered Brown, who favorited a tweet around the NBA Draft from a user who said Celtics fans “disrespect” him. But if Brown needs a dose of confidence, he should listen to Ryan. The most decorated Celtics writer ever would much rather have the budding All-Star over Durant, one of the greatest players in the history of the league.
That must be worth something.