The NBA seems to be full of twists and turns this year as another blockbuster trade has taken place recently. Kevin Durant has reportedly been traded to the Phoenix Suns very recently. It is surely a shocking one considering the Brooklyn Nets‘ stance on his availability just over a couple of days ago. It was only less than a week ago that Joe Tsai and Sean Marks let go of Kyrie Irving. The Dallas Mavericks acquired Irving and sent Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie the other. Today, it’s KD’s turn.
The Suns are sending Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks, a 2028 pick swap for Durant and TJ Warren, sources tell ESPN. Durant wanted move and new owner Mat Ishbia pushed to get deal done tonight. https://t.co/fqFUMIDllo
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
The Suns have acquired Durant with the help of a mega trade package. According to journalist Adrian Wojnarowski, Mat Ishbia’s franchise will be sending Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, and Cam Johnson. Along with that, the Nets will also receive four first-round picks and a 2028 pick swap for Durant and TJ Warren. Blockbuster would certainly be an understatement for the way the Suns have swooped in at the last minute to acquire KD.
Kyrie Irving expresses his feelings about Kevin Durant’s blockbuster trade to the Phoenix Suns
Kyrie and Durant were the Nets’ two superstars after James Harden’s departure. Despite being on the same for quite a long time, the pair could only play 74 games together. Regardless, the duo was able to form a good friendship off the court. Kyrie has recently weighed in on Durant’s last-minute trade to the Suns.
Apologies, shot several Irving videos, THIS is his reaction to the Durant trade. pic.twitter.com/PF3fri4hmf
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) February 9, 2023
During a press conference, Irving said, “I’m just praying for his happiness…We had a lot of conversations throughout the year about what our futures were going to look like. There was still a level of uncertainty, but we just cared about seeing each other be in places where we can thrive… I’m just glad he got out of there.”Suns
Who’s beating this lineup? 👀 pic.twitter.com/sfzMzma5Bj
— ESPN (@espn) February 9, 2023
It looks like Irving did not hold back when it came to having a say in the trade. There have been many reports over the years about how both Durant and Kyrie were unhappy with the Nets board and the environment surrounding the franchise. It is quite interesting that both players requested a trade in less than a year. Whatever the case, Durant will now form a great team alongside Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton in Phoenix. Kyrie, on the other hand, will play with Luka in Dallas. It will be interesting to see how both of these former Nets stars will perform with their new teams.
Discussion about this post