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The Brooklyn Nets signing Carmelo Anthony would reportedly "appease" Kevin Durant, according to Brian Lewis of The New York Post. “And if they wanted to appease Durant, they could bring in Carmelo Anthony, a move he’s wanted them to make," Lewis reported.
This week, Durant rescinded his trade request and decided to stay with the Nets. Now with Durant staying in Brooklyn, the team can turn their focus on improving the roster ahead of the new season. Anthony, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, is a free agent.
The Lakers had a very disappointing season, but Anthony performed well. In his first year in Los Angeles, Anthony averaged 13.3 points, mostly off the bench. Anthony proved last season that he can bring veteran leadership and provide a scoring boost off the bench.
Durant wants Anthony after deciding to stay with the Nets
On Tuesday, the Nets announced Durant would remain with the team. "Steve Nash and I, together with Joe Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai, met with Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman in Los Angeles yesterday.
We have agreed to move forward with our partnership. We are focusing on basketball, with one collective goal in our mind: build a lasting franchise to bring a championship to Brooklyn," Nets GM Sean Marks said in a statement released by the Nets.c
Also, Ben Simmons is recovering well from a back surgery and he is expected to debut for the Nets next season.
On paper, the Nets again look like one of the best teams in the NBA. This offseason, Kyrie Irving opted into the final year of his contract with the Nets. Ben Simmons, who was traded to the Nets prior to the trade deadline, is recovering well from a back surgery and should be ready to play this season. It remains to be seen if the Nets will fulfill Durant's wish and sign Anthony.