NBA Rumors: Surprising New Team Enters The Kevin Durant Sweeptstakes

The Boston Celtics, the Toronto Raptors, the Miami Heat... These teams have been rumored as the most likely contenders in the Kevin Durant Trade Sweepstakes this summer. But according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, a new team has poked its head into the proceedings. 

The Grizzlies have made 'new inquiries' to the Nets in trading for Kevin Durant, per @ShamsCharania

Memphis has five first-round draft picks they can include in a trade pic.twitter.com/Ubl3rPvVdI

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 22, 2022

The Memphis Grizzlies are the newest team that has shown renewed interest in Durant, says Shams, citing that they have "made new inquiries to the Nets."

Charania says the Grizz have five first-round draft picks available to trade (four of them unprotected), and plenty of young talented players. But, aside from Ja Morant (obviously), there are a couple of other names that will not be on the table.

The Grizzlies have five first-round picks to theoretically utilize in a Kevin Durant trade, but sources say that they will not make Jaren Jackson Jr. or Desmond Bane available. More details: https://t.co/v0E9k9pA4s https://t.co/rqj9nZaxwI

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 22, 2022

Charania's sources tell him that Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane will not be made available. 

Grizzlies executive vice president of basketball operations Zach Kleiman is the NBA’s reigning Executive of the Year, and he will be sure not to mess too badly with the foundation of a great supporting cast for Morant into the future. 

Photos: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports, Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports