The Nets shocked the NBA world early Thursday morning, agreeing to a trade that’ll send Kevin Durant to the Suns.
Not only are the Nets receiving dynamic forwards in Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, they’re getting back unprotected picks in 2023, 2025, 2027 and 2029. That could, in theory, help the franchise reload on talent.
According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, it was a “collaborative effort” by Durant and the Nets to find the right situation before the trade deadline.
As you’d expect, the sports world had a lot to say about this blockbuster trade.
Kevin Durant ▶️ Phoenix Suns. pic.twitter.com/QhLdYk7CF8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 9, 2023
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“Acquiring Kevin Durant raises the Suns’ ceiling to levels not even matched in the year they made the NBA Finals,” Kevin O’Connor said. “The West is wide open, but much less so now pairing KD with Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Phoenix is the best in the West.”
Acquiring Kevin Durant raises the Suns’ ceiling to levels not even matched in the year they made the NBA Finals. The West is wide open, but much less so now pairing KD with Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Phoenix is the best in the West.
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) February 9, 2023
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Joy Taylor of Fox Sports tweeted, “WHAT.”
— Joy Taylor (@JoyTaylorTalks) February 9, 2023
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“So…about that quiet trade deadline,” Kurt Helin wrote.
So… about that quiet trade deadline.
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) February 9, 2023
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“Can’t even go to sleep early anymore this time of the year,” CJ McCollum of the Pelicans tweeted.
Can’t even go to sleep early anymore this time of the year
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) February 9, 2023
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Durant has not played since January due to a sprained MCL.
Assuming Durant returns to full strength, the Suns will have a ton of pressure on them to win the NBA Finals this season.