As the NBA trade deadline nears, Phoenix Suns have landed Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade deal.
According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, Durant was asked to move and new Suns owner, Mat Ishbia pushed to make it happen. For KD, the Brooklyn Nets receive Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Jae Crowder. The trade also sees TJ Warren with the Suns, as well as a trade for a 2028 pick swap and unprotected picks in 2023, 2025, 2027 and 2029 for the Nets. The momentous move marks a new “Big Three” in the Western Conference.
KD’s move to the Suns strengthens the competition in the West and Wojnarowski predicts that talks in Toronto to trade forward O.G. Anunoby is “rolling into the final hours of the trade deadline. The landing od Kevin Durant with the Suns could escalate Anunoby’s value among Western Conference teams pursuing an elite forward to defend Durant.” In a post-game interview, KD’s former teammate, Kyrie Irving wishes him the best and even adds that he is “glad that he got out of there.”
It remains to be seen what other moves will be made before the trade deadline.
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
Kevin Durant is on his way to the Valley of the Sun pic.twitter.com/IegCUWEQuF
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
Nets gets unprotected picks in 2023, 2025, 2027 and 2029, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
The Nets are expected to explore trade scenarios for Jae Crowder ahead of today’s 3 PM ET deadline, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
Kyrie Irving found out about the Kevin Durant trade during his first presser as a Maverick.
“I’m just glad he got out of [Brooklyn].”
? @MarkG_Medinapic.twitter.com/SxPvUbpr5v
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 9, 2023
Toronto’s talks on forward O.G. Anunoby are rolling into the final hours of the trade deadline. The landing of Kevin Durant with the Suns could escalate Anunoby’s value among Western Conference teams pursuing an elite forward to defend Durant.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
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