Kevin Durant trade rumors: 5 teams who can trade for the Slim Reaper after Kyrie Irving's trade request, including LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors

#3 LA Lakers

Instead of Kyrie Irving, the LA Lakers could swing for Kevin Durant. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka is only willing to include the team’s 2027 and 2029 first-round picks for a player that will bring them to the “finish line.” Kevin Durant is certainly one of those players.

The Brooklyn Nets could take on the expiring contracts of Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley. Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves should also be part of the package.

The Nets get a fresh start with plenty of cap space next season and coveted draft capital. The Lakers will be heavily favored to raise banner# 18 to the rafters if they can work a miracle.

---

#2 New York Knicks

The New York Knicks thought they had a legitimate shot at landing the biggest free agent in the summer of 2019. It turned out later that Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were already planning to create their super team in Brooklyn. Durant bypassed the chance to make the historic Madison Square Garden his playground, choosing instead to ply his trade at Barclays Center.

The Knicks shouldn’t even think twice about inquiring about the possibility of getting Durant. They were willing to offload a ton of picks and players for Donovan Mitchell this off-season. New York must be planning to call Sean Marks for the same picks, plus Obi Toppin, Mitchell Robinson and Cam Reddish.

Losing both Kevin Durant and Kyrie signals an inevitable painstaking rebuild. New York’s treasure trove of picks and young players as part of their offer could entice Brooklyn to part ways with Durant.

---

#1 New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have an intriguing package that could be centered around former All-Star Brandon Ingram. They could include any player other than Zion Williamson in the deal, plus a boatload of draft picks to entice the Brooklyn Nets.

The Pelicans have five first-round picks in 2023 and 2024 alone. These include the pick swaps that involved Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday to the LA Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks, respectively.

Ingram still has three years left on his deal, including this season, and would not be a stranger to carrying a franchise. New Orleans’ treasure trove of assets is something the Nets don’t have.