For good reason, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-chris-paul-in-case-of-suns-exit-20230607-SPD-3679.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a> is the topic of most conversation among NBA fans right now. The first signs that he could be thinking about quitting the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-austin-reaves-in-case-of-lakers-exit-20230609-SPD-3683.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a> have appeared.



Lillard is a top scorer in the NBA and a strong leader who would benefit whatever club he joins. There are likely several franchises that would want to make him an offer.



The Blazers, though, owe it to him to trade him to a more suitable club. Let’s examine the three places where he’s most likely to end up in light of this information.



<h2>3. Philadelphia 76ers</h2>



Due to James Harden’s expected departure from the Philadelphia 76ers this summer, it is clear that the team has to get a new point guard.



He would be able to play with reigning MVP Joel Embiid for a strong coach in Nick Nurse, and the team would have a legitimate shot at winning its first title in almost a decade.



<h2>2. Brooklyn Nets</h2>



Lillard, when questioned about his plans, said that the Brooklyn Nets may be a good fit for him because of his friendship with Mikal Bridges.



The Nets want to make up for the disastrous years they spent with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, and they have no incentive to tank since the Houston Rockets can trade draft selections with them.



<h2>1. Miami Heat</h2>



This squad was Lillard’s first choice when asked where he would want to play if he decided to leave the Blazers this summer.



Lillard’s best buddy Bam Adebayo exemplifies the spirit of Heat Culture. He would be an ideal addition to the team that Pat Riley has reshaped since becoming its leader.

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Damian Lillard in case of Trail Blazers exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Damian Lillard in case of Trail Blazers exit

miniaturas

There’s a chance that the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-draymond-green-in-case-of-warriors-exit-20230514-SPD-3637.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> may come to regret the massive deal they awarded <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-james-harden-in-case-of-76ers-exit-20230518-SPD-3642.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jordan Poole</a>. They paid him quickly after the NBA Finals, and it doesn’t seem like they’re really pleased with him at the moment.



In addition to his fight with Draymond Green, before the season started, Poole’s body language and theatrics during the playoffs were a huge discussion topic. It’s possible the veterans don’t like him all that much.



Perhaps Poole would be better off playing for another club, especially given his desire for a larger role under Steve Kerr. Bleacher Report’s Eric Pinus suggests the D-Backs could be “motivated” to trade him, so we’ll consider three possible destinations for him.



<h2>3. Washington Wizards</h2>



The general manager of the Golden State Warriors, Bob Myers, reportedly has interest from the Washington Wizards. It would be quite simple for Poole to get to the nation’s capital.



The Warriors could use some more depth and talent like Kyle Kuzma, and they could sign Kuzma to an extension to match the Lakers’ money. The Wizards would have a reliable scoring option to complement Bradley Beal, who is prone to injuries.



<h2>2. Dallas Mavericks</h2>



The Dallas Mavericks took a huge chance on Kyrie Irving’s rental services. Not a good result, but with the whole summer ahead of them, they have a chance to try again by bolstering their defensive options.



Poole’s off-ball skills would flourish next to Luka Doncic, while their defense would grow even worse.



<h2>1. Brooklyn Nets</h2>



Due to their outstanding draft selection obligations to the Houston Rockets from the James Harden deal, the Brooklyn Nets have little motivation to tank the next season. As a result, they could try to improve and recruit more young players.



Poole would be a good match for them and would go in as their leading scorer straight immediately. In exchange for Cam Johnson and maybe a lottery pick, the Warriors could employ Mikal Bridges, who can make up for his horrible defense.

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Jordan Poole in case of Warriors exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA: Top 3 most likely destinations for Jordan Poole in case of Warriors exit

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/james-harden-goran-dragic-and-all-nba-players-available-for-trade-after-december-15-20221211-SPD-3247.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyle Kuzma</a> told The Atheltic this week that he does not intend to sign an extension with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-teams-in-2022-23-nba-season-so-far-20221210-SPD-3243.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington Wizards</a> and would instead reject his player option for the 2023-24 season in order to become a free agent this summer.



While the Wizards have shown flashes of becoming a playoff contender this season, they haven’t done so in the previous two weeks, leading to speculation regarding Kyle Kuzma’s future with the organization. The 27-year-old Kuzma has become an integral part of the Wizards’ roster, so his intentions shouldn’t come as a shock.



 Washington, which has $208 million committed to Beal over the next four seasons and who also has Kristaps Porzingis under contract for next season through a player option, may move Kuzma at the February 9 trade deadline for valued assets rather than letting him depart in free agency with no return. Now that he may be available in a trade, let’s examine the top three landing spots for him.



<h2>3. Atlanta Hawks</h2>



John Collins is still available for a trade, and it’s becoming obvious that this squad needs some new blood. In terms of overall improvement, swapping Collins for Kuzma would not be a huge step forward, but he would be a better fit for the team.



Kuzma is superior at perimeter defense and can also contribute offensively by making three-point shots. Furthermore, the Atlanta Hawks have a wealth of promising young players they may employ to sweeten the deal.



<h2>2. Brooklyn Nets</h2>



The Washington Wizards have apparently been contacted by the Brooklyn Nets about making Kuzma available. As he satisfies both their idealized personality and their on-court requirements, this is not a shock.



T.J. Warren hasn’t done much to impress, so they could use another big man to aid them on the boards, come up with their own scoring opportunities, and relieve Kevin Durant of some of the load. It’s not like he’s a lockdown stopper, but he’d be an improvement on defense anyway.



<h2>1. Los Angeles Lakers</h2>



Without a doubt, the Los Angeles Lakers are still smarting from the Russell Westbrook deal. He has never tried to hide the fact that he is deeply in love with Los Angeles.



The influence of stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Kuzma said, stunted his growth. But he also understands that his chances of winning a championship are better while wearing purple and gold.

Return to Hawks and two other possible landing spots for Kyle Kuzma

Return to Hawks and two other possible landing spots for Kyle Kuzma - thesportsdrops NEWS

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/turmoil-surrounding-kevin-durants-trade-request-to-nets-played-down-by-steve-nash-20220929-SPD-2865.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn Nets</a> have sacked head coach <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-steve-nash-reacts-to-being-fired-by-the-brooklyn-nets-20221101-SPD-3073.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steve Nash</a> after a disappointing 2-5 start to the season. This comes after some of the team’s best players called for his dismissal throughout the summer.



The game against the Bulls on Tuesday was coached by assistant coach Jacque Vaughn. Nash finished with a 94-67 record in his first season as a head coach, but he is more known for the many scandals surrounding his team’s players that he was unable to prevent.



As Kevin Durant demanded his dismissal and Kyrie Irving refused to be vaccinated and, most recently, as Irving retweeted an anti-semitic video and was not disciplined for it, the 48-year-old seemed to be at a loss and unable to manage his top players. Even this summer, Durant asked the club to fire Nash, who had been their coach since 2020. 



The superstar has also asked that general manager Sean Marks be fired. It was reported, however, that things were patched up when Durant rescinded his trade request after it became evident that no other club would be willing to meet the Nets’ asking price. The Nets are now looking for a new head coach, so let’s examine four possible options.



<h2>Ime Udoka</h2>



According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Ime Udoka has emerged as a frontrunner for the Nets’ job. After being punished for violating the team’s workplace policy, Udoka will not lead for the Celtics again until the end of the 2022-23 season. Most crucially for the Nets, their 45-year-old coach has not been banned by the NBA. 



<h2>Charles Lee</h2>



Lee’s been one of the most sought-after candidates for a number of open positions in recent recruiting rounds. As of this season, Lee is listed as the Bucks’ assistant head coach. Sooner or later, he will be given the opportunity to lead a team as its coach.



<h2>Quin Snyder</h2>



Wojnarowski suggests that even Snyder will reportedly be considered for the vacant coaching position in Brooklyn. The 56-year-old and the Utah Jazz mutually chose to end their eight-year working relationship earlier this year. He would be an ideal choice to manage a club with championship hopes since he guided Utah to six postseason berths in eight seasons as head coach.



<h2>Frank Vogel</h2>



Just two years after Vogel led the Lakers to their 18th NBA championship, the team decided to part ways with him as head coach. If Vogel can thrive while under the intense scrutiny that comes with coaching LeBron James and the Lakers, then any future demands he faces will seem like a breeze in comparison.

4 potentital coaching candidates to replace Steve Nash at Brooklyn Nets

4 potentital coaching candidates to replace Steve Nash at Brooklyn Nets - thesportsdrops NEWS

It didn’t take long to see the first head coach of the 2022-23 NBA season be fired. Only two weeks after Opening Night, the Nets decided to relieve <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/turmoil-surrounding-kevin-durants-trade-request-to-nets-played-down-by-steve-nash-20220929-SPD-2865.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steve Nash</a> from the head coaching duties.



Brooklyn started the season on the wrong foot, sitting at 2-5 to be 12th in the Eastern Conference. Nash was only in his third season at the helm of the Nets, but the front office felt it saw enough.



Nash’s future was put into question since the team was swept in the first round of last season’s playoffs by the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/we-have-been-overrated-celtics-owner-wyc-grousbeck-2788-20220919-SPD-2788.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Celtics</a>, with Kevin Durant and <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-kyrie-irving-opens-up-on-nets-brutal-loss-to-celtics-last-season-2794-20220920-SPD-2794.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyrie Irving</a>’s future also up in the air. In the end, Nash had to leave his post but showed no hard feelings.



<h2>Steve Nash releases statement after Nets firing</h2>



“Thank you Brooklyn. A very heartfelt thanks to Jose and Clara Tsai along with Sean Marks for giving me the opportunity to coach the Brooklyn Nets. It was an amazing experience with many challenged that I’m incredibly grateful for,” Nash said in a statement released on social media.



“It was a pleasure to work with the players, performance team and front office every day. I’m especially grateful for my coaching staff and video room who are a talented group with so much character and professionalism.



“Lastly, thanks to Brooklyn and the passionate fans who support this team. Family first and my family has found a home here and LOVES being a part of this beautiful community. I wish the Nets all the success in the world and the Nash’s will be rooting for our team as they turn this season around.”



Things didn’t work out, but Nash left without complaining. Now, Jacque Vaughn will serve as interim coach while the Nets search for a permanent head coach, which could be Ime Udoka.

NBA News: Steve Nash reacts to being fired by the Brooklyn Nets

NBA News: Steve Nash reacts to being fired by the Brooklyn Nets - thesportsdrops NEWS

The summer for the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-news-lakers-committed-to-helping-lebron-james-but-theres-a-catch-20220927-SPD-2849.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn Nets</a> was nothing short of a roller coaster ride, but head coach <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/joe-mazzulla-promoted-as-temporary-celtics-head-coach-after-ime-udokas-suspension-20220924-SPD-2830.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steve Nash</a> feels that things have returned to normal in the borough, particularly with regard to his relationship with superstar player <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/cavaliers-and-dean-wade-agree-new-three-year-contract-extension-20220926-SPD-2836.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a>.



A year after extending his contract with Brooklyn by four years and submitting a request for trade on June 30, Durant informed the team of his desire to be sent somewhere. After speaking with Nash, Joe Tsai, Clara Wu Tsai, and Rich Kleiman in Los Angeles, the two-time NBA champion ultimately chose to withdraw his request and continue with the process. 



This took place during the end of the previous month. Following that conversation, Nash is now in a position where he considers the squad to be in “fine” shape going into the upcoming season.



<h2>Steve Nash addresses relationship with Kevin Durant</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We’re good. It’s been like nothing’s changed. I have a long history with Kevin [Durant]. I love the guy. Families have issues. We had a moment and it’s behind us. That’s what happens. It’s a common situation in the league. Knowing Kevin as long as I have, it didn’t really bother me the way maybe everyone would think. “That’s a part of being competitors. I wasn’t overly surprised and I wasn’t even overly concerned. It was something that I thought we would address in time, and we did. And here we are and we’re looking forward. It’s something else that we can grow from as well. I never thought that was 100 percent. It’s not black and white like that. There’s a lot of factors, a lot of things behind the scenes.”<cite>Steve Nash told ESPN</cite></blockquote>

Turmoil surrounding Kevin Durant's trade request to Nets played down by Steve Nash

Turmoil surrounding Kevin Durant's trade request to Nets played down by Steve Nash - thesportsdrops NEWS

Last season was more complicated than predicted for the Nets. With <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-the-reason-why-nets-wouldnt-trade-kyrie-irving-to-lakers-2561-20220820-SPD-2561.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyrie Irving</a> out for months, the team struggled to get results. But even when he got back, Brooklyn had to go through the Play-In Tournament.



Though they managed to secure the seventh seed, it didn’t take long for the Nets’ aspirations to be over. Steve Nash‘s team was swept by the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/we-have-been-overrated-celtics-owner-wyc-grousbeck-2788-20220919-SPD-2788.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Celtics</a> in the first round, a defeat that continues to make noise in Brooklyn.



Since then, the team went through a lot of trouble – with Kevin Durant almost leaving the organization this offseason. However, Irving recently revealed that they could actually learn a lot from that elimination.



<h2>Kyrie Irving calls brutal loss to Celtics a ‘humbling experience’</h2>



(Via Fadeaway World)



“Since we got 4-0’d, my G, we got 4-0’d… It was meant to happen like that. Motivation, bro. We needed that humbling experience, especially going against the Celtics. You know, it was already built in to be that matchup,” Irving said. 



“We gonna see them again. We gonna have to. They gonna be where they gonna be but those youngins over there in Boston bro, I got to see them grow up. So to see them doing what they did last year, on the Finals stage, making it that far, I’m glad they had to go through us.”

NBA News: Kyrie Irving opens up on Nets' brutal loss to Celtics last season

NBA News: Kyrie Irving opens up on Nets' brutal loss to Celtics last season - thesportsdrops NEWS

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nets-hold-out-hope-that-kevin-durant-would-revoke-trade-request-2410-20220730-SPD-2410.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a> has made it clear he wants out of <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nets-seeking-to-secure-a-deal-for-kevin-durant-after-star-requests-trade-1907-20220630-SPD-1907.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn</a>, but the weeks have passed and the team has yet to find him a new home. The 12-time NBA All-Star, meanwhile, has reportedly added the Sixers to his wish list.



According to Ian Begley of SNY, Durant sees both Boston and Philadelphia as desired landing spots. On top of that, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-warriors-rule-out-potential-kevin-durant-trade-2322-20220722-SPD-2322.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KD</a> reportedly gave the Nets an ultimatum last week, suggesting owner Joe Tsai that the only way he’s staying is if he fires GM Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash.



However, far from putting any pressure on the Nets, nothing has changed for the team regarding this situation. According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, Brooklyn has no urgency at all to move Durant.



<h2>Report: Nets still not urged to trade Kevin Durant</h2>



“Ten days ago, Kevin Durant and Joe Tsai met in London. Durant really tried to apply the pressure by asking for Steve Nash and Sean Marks to get fired. And guess what has happened? Nothing. Nothing has happened. The dynamic around Kevin Durant hasn’t changed at all. There hasn’t been an urgency in trade talks. There hasn’t been a change in strategy by the Brooklyn Nets,” Windhorst said.



“I think what we have here is really a study of leverage. First off, the Nets do not have leverage in trade talks with other teams. They are not giving them the offers that they want. They see no reason to increase them. And so they’re not making any progress there. And Kevin Durant clearly does not have leverage with the Brooklyn Nets. He is asking for things: ‘Get me traded. Fire the coach. Fire the GM.’ He is being told no. So when you have denied leverage, you have a stalemate.”



Unless they suddenly receive an offer that meets their high demands, the Nets look willing to wait as long as it takes to get a deal done for Durant.

NBA Trade Rumors: Nets have bad news for Kevin Durant trade suitors - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Trade Rumors: Nets have bad news for Kevin Durant trade suitors

Perhaps <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-warriors-rule-out-potential-kevin-durant-trade-2322-20220722-SPD-2322.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a> was hoping for a speedy resolution to his trade request back in June. After a turbulent season that they do not look interested in repeating, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nets-seeking-to-secure-a-deal-for-kevin-durant-after-star-requests-trade-1907-20220630-SPD-1907.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn Nets</a> were inclined to comply with his request. 



His quality would have warranted many massive bids, from which Brooklyn could have picked the best. Unfortunately, a month after making the request, there still is no offer in sight. 



Given that DeAndre Ayton has signed an offer sheet that prevents him from being traded until January, it’s unlikely that Durant’s favored Phoenix Suns will be able to give him a contract. While the Boston Celtics have emerged with a stunning offer centered on Jaylen Brown, the Miami Heat are equally low on assets, and a deal between the two teams has not yet been reached. Those deals aren’t going to get better before training camp starts.



<h2>Could Kevin Durant change his mind and stay in Brooklyn?</h2>



However, ESPN‘s Zach Lowe reports that the Nets are still holding out hope that Durant would rescind his trade request once he realizes he has no realistic options. They also believe that there’s still a chance he will alter his mind if he goes without a trade for a little longer.



To what extent the forward would be open to that possibility is now unknown, but Marc Stein claims he is still trying to be traded away. In any case, returning to Brooklyn would put the veteran on a competitive squad with Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons.

NBA Rumors: Nets hold out hope that Kevin Durant would revoke trade request - thesportsdrops NEWS

NBA Rumors: Nets hold out hope that Kevin Durant would revoke trade request

It would seem that the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-warriors-set-to-bring-donte-divincenzo-in-on-two-year-deal-1958-20220702-SPD-1958.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> are no longer in the running for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/shannon-sharpe-blasts-kevin-durant-over-trade-request-out-of-nets-2002-20220704-SPD-2002.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a>. Despite being the reigning champions, Warriors general manager Bob Myers told NBA.com on Wednesday that the team won’t be making any significant changes this summer.



Even though rumors were rife when Durant requested a trade to the Nets from the Warriors, the two teams were never likely to reunite. The Warriors superstars reportedly even contacted their ex-teammate at one point to have a chat about it.



The Warriors’ hopes of a repeat season mean that veteran forward must wait. Even though he asked to be traded three weeks ago, he is still a member of the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nets-seeking-to-secure-a-deal-for-kevin-durant-after-star-requests-trade-1907-20220630-SPD-1907.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn Nets</a> and is unlikely to be moved anytime soon unless the trade market undergoes a dramatic upheaval.



<h2>What Bob Myers said of Kevin Durant</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I like our team and where it’s at. I want to give the guys a chance to do it again. We kept most of it together, but we have to stay healthy. I didn’t think we’d make it last year, but we did. I watch like you do. We’ll see what happens. “It’s a good group. We’re lucky. It’ll be fun to see. We were really hunting last year. Now I guess we’re back to being the hunted, which I didn’t think we’d be. We’ll see. I think we can handle it.”</blockquote>

NBA Rumors: Warriors rule out potential Kevin Durant trade

NBA Rumors: Warriors rule out potential Kevin Durant trade - thesportsdrops NEWS

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-nets-seeking-to-secure-a-deal-for-kevin-durant-after-star-requests-trade-1907-20220630-SPD-1907.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kevin Durant</a>, the standout guard for the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-free-agency-nets-acquire-ex-pacers-duo-t-j-warren-and-edmond-sumner-2038-20220706-SPD-2038.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn Nets</a>, sought a trade late last month, shortly before the opening of free agency. More than a week after the deadline, there has been no movement toward a deal and the Nets’ search for a deal they like seems to be going on indefinitely.



Many variables are at play, but <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-rumors-lakers-and-nets-actively-exploring-russell-westbrook-kyrie-irving-trade-1969-20220703-SPD-1969.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ben Simmons</a>‘ contract predicament stands out. He signed a new five-year, $177 million contract with the team in 2019 despite not playing in the 2022 season.



Teams are prohibited by league regulations from trading for more than one player under such a deal. As long as Simmons remains on the team, the Nets will be unable to acquire other young players like Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, and Andrew Wiggins.



<h2>Ben Simmons expected to stay in Brooklyn</h2>



Any deal for Kevin Durant that involves All-Star level players and draft selections is understandable from the standpoint of the New York Knicks. To put it another way, only a few clubs are in the position to make an offer that would tempt Durant while still keeping the team competitive. 



More than a dozen of the league’s greatest young players are ineligible to be dealt to Brooklyn, making the situation even more difficult. As a result, the next natural issue is whether the Brooklyn side will move the 25-year-old, either as part of a Durant deal or in a separate transaction. According to the New York Post, the answer looks to be no for the time being, at least for now.

Brooklyn Nets