Earlier this week, Nick Wright of Fox Sports stated that he had heard the Celtics could be interested in trading for Kevin Durant this summer.
“Two totally unrelated people, both of whom have reputations for knowing things that other people don’t know, have said to me watch out for Durant in Boston”
— Nick Wright
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) March 25, 2025
However, even Wright himself admitted that he’s not as connected to NBA circles as some of his peers. That means his information is coming from second-hand sources. Given the questionable validity of his claim, we should take this rumor with a considerable grain of salt.
But of course, the pot has been stirred. For Celtics fans, it’s impossible not to at least consider the move as a possibility—a very scary possibility, at that. With new ownership recently arriving in town, things feel even more uncertain. What if Wright’s “insiders” know something we don’t?
If Bill Chisolm is truly considering making a blockbuster move for Kevin Durant this summer, he would be wise to use the Phoenix Suns as a cautionary tale. Let me take you back.
After narrowly losing the 2021 NBA Finals, the Suns fell in the Western Conference semifinals in 2022—a considerable disappointment for a 64-18 team. But even after that loss, the future looked bright.
Then, Matt Ishbia bought the Suns. Almost immediately after taking over in February 2023, he greenlit a trade for Kevin Durant, sending away several core pieces and a wealth of valuable draft picks.
Fast forward to today, and the Suns are in NBA purgatory, desperate to offload Kevin Durant. With most of the core that led them to the championship gone, they are a shell of themselves and are doomed for a complete rebuild.
Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images
As you know, the Celtics are coming off an NBA championship and are primed for another deep playoff run this spring. However, with the Cavaliers and Thunder emerging as formidable threats, the path to raising Banner 19 will be anything but easy. And while it’s unfortunate to admit, it’s entirely possible that Boston won’t end the season as champions.
That’s where all of this ties together. With a new owner, the looming possibility of a disappointing playoff exit, and Kevin Durant wanting out of Phoenix, Bill Chisolm could fall into the same trap Matt Ishbia did two years ago.
The aura around Durant can’t be overstated. When the prospect of trading for a name like Kevin Durant comes across an owner’s desk, it is understandably hard to resist. Not to mention, Kevin Durant was reportedly interested in signing with Boston in 2017, before he made his historic move to Golden State. But, the reality is different. Durant is near the end of his career at 36 years old, and he demands a $51 million salary.
Furthermore, in NBA terms, eight years is a lifetime. For reference, I hadn’t even stepped foot in a middle school classroom in 2017. Now, I am writing this article in my college dorm room.
Even worse, a possible move for Kevin Durant this summer would be far more costly than it was for the Suns. The deal would almost certainly require Jaylen Brown to be involved. Not only is Brown significantly better than the players Phoenix gave up—Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges—but history has shown that trading a 28-year-old star for a 36-year-old one is always a mistake. Ahem, Nico Harrison.
Pulling off this trade would require serious financial gymnastics as well. Ultimately, the Celtics would certainly have to sacrifice more of their core to acquire Durant. Boston would find themselves in a scarily similar situation to Phoenix; stripped of role players, running with two ball-dominant wings, and stuck over the second apron. But regardless of how they’d make the money work, the bottom line is simple: the Celtics should not make this move under any circumstances.
While rumors like this can send fans into full panic mode — and can be very interesting to discuss — recent statements from the Celtics should put any talk of an ill-advised blockbuster trade to rest. In a recent interview, Wyc Grousbeck—who will allegedly still have a decision-making role this offseason—stated that the Celtics will aim to get under the second apron. While that may mean parting ways with some fan favorites, it also provides reassurance that there won’t be a seismic shift in the roster. In other words, they want nothing to do with Kevin Durant’s massive contract. And, of course, Boston can always trust Brad Stevens’ trade wizardry.
At the end of the day, nobody should put too much stock into this rumor. Nick Wright has long been known for his bias against Boston sports—and let’s be honest, for not being the most reliable media member. Fans should trust Brad Stevens, Wyc Grousbeck, and the new ownership group to understand that trading for Durant would be a short-sighted and reckless move.
