Kevin Durant’s time in Brooklyn ended Thursday when the Nets traded him to the Phoenix Suns as a part 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 decide swap in 2028 from the Suns, who additionally received TJ Warren from the Nets.
The Nets additionally acquired second-round picks in 2028 and 2029 from Milwaukee and the draft rights to protect Juan Pablo Vaulet from Indiana within the deal, whereas Jae Crowder was re-routed from Phoenix to the Bucks by way of Brooklyn.
The 34-year-old Durant continues to be taking part in at an elite degree, averaging almost 30 factors per recreation this season. He requested for a commerce final summer time and the Suns have been , and at last received him earlier than Thursday’s commerce deadline.
The Nets, in the meantime, stated they felt the deal finest positioned them for future success.
“We stay steadfast in our dedication to constructing the crew Brooklyn deserves,” common supervisor Sean Marks stated in a press release. “We are excited to welcome Mikal, Cam and their households to Brooklyn and thank Kevin for the moments and reminiscences he delivered our fanbase.”
Durant is recovering from a sprained knee ligament, and when he returns it is going to be to a Phoenix line-up that all of a sudden might be among 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 celebrity period in Brooklyn. James Harden was traded finally 12 months’s deadline, leaving the Nets with little to indicate for the transient 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 commerce 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 below Tom Izzo, did not waste any time shaking up the NBA.
JayDee Dyer discusses the most recent 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 appear like contenders once more. They jumped to fifth within the Western Conference with a 30-26 report. Booker (groin) and Paul (hip) have each just lately returned.
When Irving heard the information, he stated: “I’m simply glad that he received out of there.”
Irving scored 24 factors in his Mavs debut towards the Clippers on Wednesday. The Nets refused to present him a contract extension final summer time, about the identical time Durant was telling the crew he needed to be dealt.
Durant high scores with 30 factors as Brooklyn beat the Washington Wizards
Eventually, Irving left and Durant adopted.
“We had numerous conversations all year long of what our futures have been going to appear like,” Irving stated. “There was nonetheless a degree of uncertainty however we simply cared about seeing one another be locations that we are able to thrive. Whether that be collectively or whether or not that be aside, there has by no means been one second the place I’ve felt like he is been indignant at me for the choices I’ve made or I’ve been indignant at him.
“I simply love the competitors now that we might 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 recreation 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 crew. 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 taking part in a few of the finest basketball of his profession this season. He was averaging 29.7 factors and capturing a career-high 55.9% from the sphere 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 nicely, however there was no replace as to when he may start participating absolutely in practices.
