Nets star Kevin Durant kept the media busy with reports on his trade desires this past summer, but his wishes to leave Brooklyn ultimately backfired. 

   The forward put in a trade request June 30, just days after his teammate Kyrie Irving opted back in for his fourth season with the Brooklyn Nets, and sealed a $36.5 million contract for the 2022-2023 season. 

   “When the season ended, Irving affirmed his commitment to the Nets and to Kevin Durant,” according to The New York Times. 

   However, Durant persisted with his desire to be traded, despite his four-year contract with Brooklyn that would’ve gone into effect that same week. Many believe this was due to his frustration with coaches and management. The franchise would not promise a trade deal for Durant, to prevent an unfair swap of the Nets star. 

   The Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns were reportedly on top of Durant’s wishlist, in addition to the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors being possible candidates to obtain Durant in a trade package.

   Brooklyn attempted to acquire Jaylen Brown and even possibly Jayson Tatum of the Celtics in exchange for Durant, but Boston ultimately showed no interest in the trade deal. Brown and Taytum played a pivotal role in the teams’ Finals appearance earlier in the summer, and the duo was seen as too valuable to the Celtics to follow through with a trade.

   Several other hypothetical trade deals were created between the Nets and other teams, but many franchises were wary of a trade due to Durant’s history of displeasure at times with his previous teams; Oklahoma City and Golden State. 

   “The idea of surrendering three or four future first round draft picks plus a young All-Star caliber player is scaring teams off so far,” according to SBNation. 

   After an entire summer of trade-talks, Durant rescinded his request out of Brooklyn on Aug. 24, and agreed to move forward with the Nets. It is unclear what could happen with Durant in the 22-23 season. The Nets could be a decent contender in the East this season with Durant, Irving, and a young, but highly ranked shooter Seth Curry, in addition to a hopefully healthy Ben Simmons. But the question remains if the season will be in favor of Brooklyn, due to the difficulties the franchise has recently faced.

   The saga of Kevin Durant’s trade desires has come to halt for now, but it is no secret that this will ultimately leave a stain on Durant’s reputation. However, if the Nets can prove themselves this season, Brooklyn fans may show him some grace.