Kevin Durant’s time in Brooklyn ended Thursday when the Nets traded him to the Phoenix Suns as half of a four-team deal.
The Nets acquired Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, first-round picks in 2023, 2025, 2027 and 2029, and a first-round choose swap in 2028 from the Suns, who additionally acquired TJ Warren from the Nets.
The Nets additionally acquired second-round picks in 2028 and 2029 from Milwaukee and the draft rights to guard Juan Pablo Vaulet from Indiana within the deal, whereas Jae Crowder was re-routed from Phoenix to the Bucks through Brooklyn.
The 34-year-old Durant remains to be enjoying at an elite stage, averaging almost 30 factors per sport this season. He requested for a trade final summer time and the Suns have been , and at last acquired him earlier than Thursday’s trade deadline.
The Nets, in the meantime, stated they felt the deal greatest positioned them for future success.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to building the team Brooklyn deserves,” basic supervisor Sean Marks stated in a press release. “We are excited to welcome Mikal, Cam and their families to Brooklyn and thank Kevin for the moments and memories he delivered our fanbase.”
Durant is recovering from a sprained knee ligament, and when he returns it will likely be to a Phoenix line-up that instantly might be one of one of the best within the Western Conference.
Kevin Durant pours in 45 factors because the Brooklyn Nets defeat the Orlando Magic 109-102
He was moved simply days after the Nets traded Kyrie Irving from Dallas, a stunningly quick finish to the famous person period in Brooklyn. James Harden was traded finally 12 months’s deadline, leaving the Nets with little to present for the temporary time that they had the Big Three collectively.
Now it is the Suns with a high assortment of expertise, with Durant becoming a member of Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton.
The trade comes simply hours after new Suns majority proprietor Mat Ishbia was launched in Phoenix. The self-described basketball nut, who was a walk-on at Michigan State beneath Tom Izzo, did not waste any time shaking up the NBA.
JayDee Dyer discusses the newest trades within the NBA, together with the Phoenix Suns’ transfer for Kevin Durant.
Phoenix have by no means received a league championship. The Suns made the NBA Finals two seasons in the past, however misplaced to the Milwaukee Bucks in six video games. They additionally performed within the finals in 1976 and 1993.
The Suns have had a number of accidents this season, however have received 9 of their final 11 video games and seem like contenders once more. They jumped to fifth within the Western Conference with a 30-26 file. Booker (groin) and Paul (hip) have each not too long ago returned.
When Irving heard the information, he stated: “I’m just glad that he got out of there.”
Irving scored 24 factors in his Mavs debut in opposition to the Clippers on Wednesday. The Nets refused to give him a contract extension final summer time, about the identical time Durant was telling the group he wished to be dealt.
Durant high scores with 30 factors as Brooklyn beat the Washington Wizards
Eventually, Irving left and Durant adopted.
“We had a lot of conversations throughout the year of what our futures were going to look like,” Irving stated. “There was still a level of uncertainty but we just cared about seeing each other be places that we can thrive. Whether that be together or whether that be apart, there has never been one moment where I’ve felt like he’s been angry at me for the decisions I’ve made or I’ve been angry at him.
“I simply love the competitors now that we will be in the identical convention.”
Bridges was the runner-up to Boston’s Marcus Smart final season for the Defensive Player of the Year award and his offensive sport continues to develop. The swingman scored 21 factors Tuesday when the Suns beat the Nets 116-112 in Brooklyn.
His acquisition, together with Dorian Finney-Smith, who got here with Spencer Dinwiddie from Dallas, ought to make the Nets a a lot stronger defensive group. But these gamers cannot substitute the firepower the Nets misplaced with Durant and Irving, two All-Star starters.
Durant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP with Golden State, was enjoying some of one of the best basketball of his profession this season. He was averaging 29.7 factors and taking pictures a career-high 55.9% from the sector when he was harm Jan. 8 in Miami.
He had his knee checked once more this week and Nets coach Jacque Vaughn stated Durant was progressing properly, however there was no replace as to when he might start participating totally in practices.
Discussion about this post