Nets’ Asking Price On Kevin Durant Remains Sky-High

While trade interest in Kevin Durant remains way up there, so does the package that the Nets are seeking in return.

Per Marc Stein of the Stein Line, the Nets have not lowered their asking price for Durant. And with just a month remaining before training camp, it does not appear they intend to do so.

Translation: This could drag on into the season. Or at least the preseason.

That said, multiple sources throughout the league have told Hoops Wire they suspect a Durant deal will get done before the end of September — though several indicated not much sooner than that.

“Hope, they say, is not a strategy, but it appears to be the foundation of Brooklyn’s approach with Durant,” Stein wrote. “League sources maintain that the Nets have not yet lowered their asking price in response to Durant’s trade demand and thus appear to be banking on the idea that there is still time for Durant to soften his trade-me stance and reengage with the franchise he is signed with for the next four seasons at $194 million.”

Yes, the theory remains the Nets are somewhat hopeful that Durant simply changes his mind and agrees to return to the franchise. As far as anyone knows, though, that is not the direction in which he is currently leaning. Not unless the Nets fire GM Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash.

Whatever the case may be, it’s just been more of the same for the Nets, Durant and the opposing interested parties. So far, it doesn’t seem as if talks with anyone have gained any real traction.

That may be because, at the moment, the Nets appear to be asking for the sun, the moon and the stars. And mostly, plenty of draft picks — as rival teams wait for the Nets to lower what they seek in return.