Kevin Durant could have stayed with Brooklyn Nets if key criteria was met

10 October 2023 , 19:15

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The health of Ben Simmons was a factor in Durant's decision to leave Brooklyn

If point guard Ben Simmons had been healthy last season, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant would have likely stayed with the Brooklyn Nets.

According to a report by the New York Post, Simmons' health issues influenced Durant's decision to push for a trade to the Suns in February. Simmons had a challenging season, only managing to play 42 games due to injuries. His performance significantly declined when he was on the floor, with career-low stats in points, rebounds, and assists, as well as a noticeable drop in defensive ability.

Making a comeback after dealing with a nerve impingement that impacted his last NBA season, Simmons showcased his skills by scoring 10 points, three assists, and a steal in 14:07 of play during the first half of this year's preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers in a 129-126 loss.

"Amazing. That's really it, just amazing," said Simmons after the game regarding his feelings. "Happy to be out there, and compete, and feel good out there and able to contribute like I know how I can. So I felt great. It is the best in two years, for sure. Definitely."

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Nets coach Jacque Vaughn expressed his overall satisfaction with his team's performance, with a particular emphasis on Simmons. Vaughn commended Simmons for his aggressive drives to the rim, noting his ability to maintain a fast pace and appear comfortable while navigating the court. Vaughn also highlighted Simmons' effective communication with his teammates, which contributed to their overall rhythm during the game.

Durant played for the Nets from 2019 to 2023 after signing a four-year, $198 million extension with the team in August 2021. During this period, point guard Kyrie Irving missed games due to his COVID-19 vaccination status. James Harden was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Simmons when he was labeled as injury-prone. Brooklyn's season ended with a sweeping defeat at the hands of the Boston Celtics in their first-round playoff series in 2022.

"My whole thing was, I want everybody to be held accountable for their habits as a player every day, and a lot of stuff was getting swept under the rug because we are injured, or guys aren't around," Durant said when explaining his reason to leave Brooklyn.

Kevin Durant's move to Phoenix could have been inspired by Simmons (Getty)

The 13-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion described the challenging period for the Nets during that time. He also noted having an individual sense of urgency to win, as the 35-year-old expressed uncertainty for the duration of his career.

"You see what happened with our season, guys in and out the line-up, injuries, just a lot of uncertainty that built some doubt in my mind about the next four years of my career," Durant said. "I'm getting older, and I want to be in a place that's stable and trying to build a championship culture."

When Simmons was at the height of his criticism for not being aggressive offensively and not giving maximum effort on the court, Durant was one of the 6-foot-11 point guard's biggest vocal supporters. During a game against the Milwaukee Bucks last season, Durant labeled Simmons as an incredible player who was the catalyst of making Giannis Antetokounmpo turn the ball over seven times.

Rory Robinson