Could the Utah Jazz land superstar Kevin Durant?

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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – NOVEMBER 11: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Utah Jazz drives around Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers during a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on November 11, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

This trade works for everyone

At the start of this offseason, I would send Gobert, two picks, and Bogdanovic to Brooklyn in a heartbeat for Durant, and that’s basically what this deal is. For Turner, the Jazz would have to give up Conley, Royce O’Neale, and Butler. That also makes sense. If you would rather have all those picks the Jazz got instead of Durant, I honestly can’t blame you. Durant has become even more of a diva, and if you would rather just rebuild through the draft, there’s merit in that.

The part of the trade that brings Myles Turner to town only works if the Jazz are committed to winning. There’s no point in adding just Turner. Why would a rebuilding team add a center just entering his prime? It doesn’t make sense.

Utah Jazz: There’s a new big three in Salt Lake City

The Pacers would accept this deal in a heartbeat. Turner only has one season left on his contract, and there is no way he will stay in Indiana. Instead of letting him walk for nothing, the Pacers get an additional first-round pick next season, a promising young player who fits the rebuild, and a veteran who can help mentor the young core before he retires. Or, they could flip Conley to a contender for another pick.

The Nets would also jump all over this trade. The franchise lost three first-rounders and swapped four picks with Houston to get James Harden, who isn’t even on the team anymore. The Rockets own the Nets’ future, so this pick would allow them to steal it back, and they wouldn’t have to worry about Durant sitting out next season if they don’t trade him.

Bogdanovic and Beasley allow the Nets to remain competitive. If Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving stay in town next year, Bogdanovic and Beasley help round out the supporting cast of Joe Harris, Seth Curry, and Nic Claxton. They won’t be leading the East, but could still make some noise in the playoffs while having enough picks to slowly restock their roster.