Lee: Wizards assistant tricked me on final play

Kevin Durant believes trade requests are “great for the league” because it brings more attention to the NBA and also gives players the opportunity to improve their situation.

“Teams have been trading players and making acquisitions for a long time,” said Durant during his Saturday media availability at All-Star weekend. “Now a player can dictate where he wants to go, leave in free agency or demand a trade, it’s just part of the game now.”

Durant requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns before the deadline. It was Durant’s second trade request in under a year though the first one was not granted.

Durant previously left the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors during his two prior free agency periods.

Kyrie Irving echoed Durant’s comments when he was asked the same question.

“When did it become terrible to make great business decisions for yourself, your happiness and your peace of mind?” said Irving. “Not every employer you’re going to get along with.”