<\/p>\n
The dust has barely settled on Kyrie Irving\u2019s trade from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks and already whispers have emerged surrounding Kevin Durant\u2019s future in New York.<\/p>\n
Irving and Markieff Morris were traded to the Mavericks on Monday (AEDT), with the Nets receiving Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, a 2029 first round draft pick as well as two second round picks.<\/p>\n
Watch an average of 9 LIVE NBA Regular Season games per week on ESPN on Kayo Sports on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now ><\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n It\u2019s left Durant and Aussie superstar Ben Simmons as the main event attractions at the Nets, but according to ESPN\u2019s Stephen A. Smith, Simmons could be the sole attraction very soon.<\/p>\n Thu, 02 Mar<\/p>\n Thursday March 2nd<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cBy the way, I\u2019m hearing that he\u2019s [Durant] on the verge of potentially being moved,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n \u201cObviously we\u2019ve all been speculating about that, that he may be moved.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been on the phone, I\u2019m hearing Boston is making some calls.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep your eye on that.\u201d<\/p>\n Smith named Celtics superstar Jaylen Brown as a potential makeweight in a possible trade for Durant with the Nets.<\/p>\n Watch this space.<\/p>\n MORE COVERAGE<\/b><\/p>\n LeBron\u2019s cryptic tweet as biggest \u2018obstacle\u2019 to Lakers\u2019 blockbuster Kyrie trade revealed<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n How \u2018high-risk\u2019 all-in move exposed brutal truth behind \u2018disrespectful\u2019 NBA mural<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n LAKERS\u2019 PLAN B REVEALED AFTER IRVING FAILURE<\/b><\/p>\n The Lakers\u2019 reportedly offered the Nets a trade package including Russell Westbrook as well as two first round picks, but it was ultimately rebuffed.<\/p>\n It\u2019s left the Lakers searching for new trade partners and, according to The Athletic\u2019s <\/a><\/i>Jovan Buha<\/a>, the Toronto Raptors and Utah Jazz have \u201crepeatedly popped up\u201d as backup options.<\/p>\n \u201cBoth teams have been lined to the Lakers in recent weeks and have starter-level players who have been rumoured to be available,\u201d Buha said.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, talks remain preliminary and nothing is imminent.\u201d<\/p>\n In terms of which Jazz players could be on the table, Yahoo Sports<\/i>\u2019<\/i> Jake Fischer reports it \u201cwould almost certainly\u201d include Malik Beasley, Mike Conley and Jarred Vanerbilt, with Westbrook heading the other way.<\/p>\n As for a Raptors player that the Lakers could eye up, USA Today\u2019s <\/a><\/i>Jeff Zillgitt<\/a> linked the franchise with a swoop for Toronto\u2019s Fred VanVleet.<\/p>\n DON\u2019T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU ON THE WAY OUT, DINWIDDIE<\/b><\/p>\n Dinwiddie was part of the package sent from the Mavericks in the Kyrie Irving trade as he returned to Brooklyn for his second stint with the franchise.<\/p>\n