Kevin Durant was reportedly not a fan of being traded straight up for D’Angelo Russell.
According to a report by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Durant “initially balked at being traded for Russell straight up” and required Golden State to include a first-round pick in the deal, believing it to be an unfair trade for the Nets otherwise.
Via ESPN:
“First, Durant initially balked at being traded for Russell straight up, multiple sources said. He didn’t think it was a fair deal, and in this case, the Warriors had to not just satisfy the Nets, but also Durant.”
“Leverage was applied by the player, and Golden State had to include a first-round pick before Durant would agree to sign off. The Warriors begrudgingly gave it up and did so with a heavy condition: If the pick falls within the top 20 next year, they don’t have to send it, and instead will only give Brooklyn a second-round pick … in six years.”
If that pick falls within the top 20 next season, the Nets will instead receive a second-round pick in six years.
Durant’s leverage also helped the Nets convince the Warriors to take Shabazz Napier’s and Treveon Graham’s contracts off their hands. Golden State then traded the duo to the Minnesota Timberwolves along with $3.6 million.
Additionally, because of the KD sign-and-trade and the salary cap ramifications, the Warriors needed to quickly move Andre Iguodala.
KD is a real diva.
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