NBA trade deadline day got off to a rip-roaring start with the news that Kevin Durant is no longer a member of the Brooklyn Nets.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Durant has been dealt to the Phoenix Suns in one of the biggest blockbusters deals in NBA history.
Charania reports that Brooklyn is receiving Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and four first-round picks as the centerpieces in the trade. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski adds that Jae Crowder is also headed to Brooklyn with a 2028 pick swap mixed in while T.J. Warren heads back to Phoenix.
Kevin Durant’s return from injury and Phoenix Suns debut unclear
After taking over officially this week, Suns owner Mat Ishbia had been pushing for the team to make a major move. Phoenix reportedly offered Chris Paul as part of a package to acquire Kyrie Irving before he was sent to the Dallas Mavericks. As of right now, Paul remains in Phoenix.
- Kevin Durant stats (2022-23): 29.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.3 APG, 56% shooting, 38% 3-point
Currently sidelined with a knee injury, Durant remains one of the top players in the game. If he’s healthy, the two-time NBA Finals MVP makes Phoenix a legitimate title contender with Devin Booker as a running partner.
It’s not yet known what type of protections are headed to Brooklyn in the blockbuster trade. But it’s become clear that the Nets’ hopes for a super team is now over after trading both Durant and Irving within the matter of a 48-hour span.