It is not uncommon for a team to buy out a player's contract. Give that player a lump sum now in order to cancel a contract that is no longer in the team's interest. Has it ever happened the other way around? Has any player gone to a team and said, "I want to get out of my contract and I'm willing to pay you to do so."

If Kevin Durant had any character, he would make that offer. Offer to give back a year of salary to convince the Nets to rip up his contract and let him become a free agent. An offer like that would come with some pain and risk, but if he's really that unhappy...

Perhaps the Nets should suggest such a deal.