NBA Rumors Roundup: Kevin Durant and James Harden move past the latter’s decision to leave Brooklyn, Bronny James being recruited by top colleges, and more | August 13, 2022

The Brooklyn Nets’ payment schedule earned Kevin Durant a big paycheck a day after asking for a trade

Kevin Durant received a scheduled fat advance payment from the Brooklyn Nets a day after pushing for a trade. [Photo: Nets Daily]

It was a double whammy for the Brooklyn Nets when Kevin Durant asked team owner Joe Tsai for a trade. The move shocked the entire NBA and put the Nets’ title contention and relevance in serious trouble. It also earned KD a fat paycheck from the team he no longer wants to play for.

Marc Stein revealed how things went behind the scenes a day after KD pushed for a trade:

“On July 1, league sources say Durant was owed and received an eight-figure check from the Nets — one of two massive advance payments that the disgruntled superstar is scheduled to collect from Brooklyn by Oct. 1 while he's also in the midst of lobbying the team to move him.”

KD still has four years remaining on his contract and the Nets will be obliged to pay him even if he wants out. Joe Tsai, though, looks set on keeping KD at the Barclays Center and continue paying him if no deal is suitable enough for the Nets.

The billionaire reportedly received an ultimatum from Durant regarding the trade but hasn’t budged in his stance. He will not accommodate Kevin Durant’s desire to play for another NBA team if the Nets don’t get the compensation they are looking for.

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The Miami Heat, LA Lakers and LA Clippers could sign Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin will be playing for another NBA team next season. [Photo: Sporting News]

Blake Griffin is done playing for the Brooklyn Nets and will be looking to play someplace else. Emerging as potential suitors are the Miami Heat, LA Lakers and LA Clippers.

Sean Deveney of Heavy.com revealed Miami’s interest in the former slam dunk champion:

“‘He made a big, big impression around the league with the way he played against Boston, even though it was just a couple of games,’ the Eastern Conference exec told Heavy.”

Blake Griffin's incredible two-game stretch against the Boston Celtics made fans wonder why he isn’t getting more playing time. That might have been enough to extend his career in the NBA.

The six-time All-Star could also join one of the LA teams. Although the Lakers have made youth their priority, they also need frontcourt depth. Griffin could be a solid piece in the rotation.

Griffin could also go back to where he started in the NBA with the LA Clippers. The Clippers look like serious contenders to win next season’s championship and could be interested in adding the veteran.