It’s one thing that Kevin Durant requested a trade from the Nets, it’s another that he wanted his GM and head coach fired.
As Nets owner Joe Tsai spoke with his superstar over the offseason to find out what could be done to keep him in Brooklyn, Durant gave him an ultimatum. Either Sean Marks and Steve Nash go, or he does.
It was a surprising note in Durant’s short time with the Nets and while all parties involved decided to move forward to try and bring a championship to Brooklyn, Marks and Nash had their chance to respond Monday during Nets media day.
"That’s pro sports. I’m sure there’s plenty of things that go on behind the scenes. We’ve both lived on that side of the locker room," Marks said when asked about Durant’s ultimatum. "Everyone is entitled to their opinions. For us It’s not to hold a grudge against what Kevin said but it’s being able to say 'if that’s what he feels, what’s going on here? What do we need to change?'
"I totally understand it was a frustrating season. I don't know anyone who was more frustrated than the two of us. We’re all in this and understand what our ultimate goal is."
Last season, the Nets came in with lofty expectations. With Irving, Durant and James Harden they were picked by many to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. With Kyrie’s vaccination status keeping out of games, Durant’s injury and Harden forcing a trade, the Nets squeaked into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed and were swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round.
Earlier on Monday, Durant was asked why he requested a trade, and the two-time NBA champion said he was unsure about the culture in Brooklyn and everyone’s willingness to do what it takes to become champions after the adversity they went through.
"Kevin and I go way back. Families go through things like this," Nash said. "Go through adversity, disagreements, this is not new to the NBA. ... it’s a part of the process, it's the part of working in this business, it’s super competitive. We are all prideful, we all have expectations and when you get dinged up like we did last year, everyone's disappointed. We cleared the air, we spoke and we’re on the same page. We have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to build on."
Although it seems the air has been cleared between Durant, Marks and Nash, that cloud of uncertainty is still there.
Marks was asked whether the organization is concerned that if the team has a tough season, due to injuries or other circumstances, Durant would ask for a trade again.
"Personally I don’t think that’s something we should be concerned with now," he said. "It’s about how we manage on a daily minute-by-minute basis. Do we communicate in practice? Kevin doesn’t want to be surprised, neither do we. He knows there’s going to be ups and downs but how do we combat the anxiety or the pitfalls of pro sports? As a collective unit, how we manage those, hopefully there won’t be any surprises."
The Nets' pursuit of a title starts Oct. 19 against the New Orleans Pelicans.