UPDATE: On Tuesday, the Nets announced they've reached an agreement with Kevin Durant and are continuing their partnership. Carry on ...
Previously:
The rumors have been raging all summer long: the Celtics are interested in Kevin Durant, and willing to offer up Jaylen Brown.
But the C's just gave a big indication they're pulling out of the KD sweepstakes, and sticking with Brown.
On Friday, the Celtics tweeted out an image to promote ticket sales for the 2022-23 season. The picture features Jayson Tatum and Brown giving each other some love — a clear sign that Boston is marketing its upcoming season around its two young stars.
Then on Sunday, the Celtics tweeted out a barrage of Brown pictures.
Of course, this is just speculation, and it would probably be even stranger if the Celtics didn't include Brown, their second star, in any promotions for the upcoming season. Just featuring Tatum would send the message that Brown's future is in doubt.
Look no further than the Nets, who opted to omit Kyrie Irving from their ticket sale ads. (Irving opted into the final year of his deal, but his long-term future with the franchise is unclear.)
There are some signs that Brown feels dissed over the Durant trade talk. Earlier this summer, he "liked" a tweet from a user who said Celtics fans have always disrespected him.
During the NBA Finals, he mentioned in a Sports Illustrated interview that Celtics fans booed him on draft night … six years ago.
Photos of Tatum hanging out with Durant probably haven't soothed any ill-feelings, either.
Overall, it looks like the Durant trade market is at a standstill. On Monday, NBA Insider Shams Charania reported that conversations between the three front-runners — the Celtics, Raptors and Heat — have been "non-existent" recently.
The Nets are still looking for an All-Star, additional high level players and draft picks, according to Charania.
Maybe the Celtics are willing to give up Brown, but not looking to trade Marcus Smart or other core players. If the Nets aren't budging, pulling out might be the wise thing to do.
Then the Celtics can focus on repairing any hard feelings. Brown is under contract for two more seasons.
