East Notes: Nets, Kevin Durant, Knicks, Cam Reddish, Heat

Nets

Star forward Kevin Durant is making progress in his recovery from a sprained MCL and could return within two weeks, ahead of NBA All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City (Feb. 18).

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, there’s optimism that Durant could play in the All-Star Game.

“Yeah, I want to play. I want to be a part of all these events,” Durant said, via Alex Schiffer of The Athletic. “I missed going back to Golden State my previous home. So, it’s been three years since I did that. You see all this stuff pass you by so I want to participate in everything…”

• While the Nets continue to wait on Durant, they are gaining confidence in with how they can try to survive and win some games without him, wrote Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

Knicks

• The Knicks are telling rival teams they are seeking two second-round picks in exchange for small forward Cam Reddish, per Fred Katz of The Athletic.
• The Lakers remain among the teams interested in Reddish, even after the trade for forward Rui Hachimura. “It’s still possible for the Lakers to construct a Reddish trade; the finances just aren’t as easy,” Katz wrote.
• New York continues to make guard Evan Fournier available, and may “attach sweeteners” to move him, per Katz.
• Finally, the Knicks are finding there isn’t much of a market for point guard Derrick Rose, per Katz, adding that they may be able to use his $14.5 million expiring deal “to take on a bigger contract before the deadline.”

Heat

• The Heat are among the teams with trade interest in Pelicans center Willy Hernangomez, as relayed by EuroBasket.
• Along with that, the Heat are believed to be interested in Bucks center/forward Serge Ibaka, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.