NBA star Kevin Durant took part in a massive trade that changed the face of the league. Durant, who spent three and a half controversial years playing for the Brooklyn Nets in a highly-controversial team, requested to be traded to the Phoenix Suns. The team agreed.
The Suns had already made it to 2021’s NBA Finals with a core that included Devin Booker and DeAndre. Ayton. Suns fans were ecstatic to have a two-time Finals winner and top-3 talent join their team. Not everyone was happy in Phoenix. It was not surprising that Durant’s acquisition cost the Nets a lot (although some say they could have received more). The trade resulted in the loss of two franchise key players, including head coach Monty Williams.
Coach Williams was shocked when he had to trade Cam Johnson and Mikal bridges to Brooklyn in order to get Durant. They nurtured them and helped them become stars. Williams had formed a close bond with the two young stars, and it was difficult for him to see them go. “That was the only time I cried in my coaching career” after a trade, stated Williams.
Bridges had been on a rise when he traded. He was a key player with the Suns and has become the face of Nets. Johnson and Bridges were best friends and spent a lot of time together. Williams’ bittersweet feelings are evident when he watches them succeed in Brooklyn.
Did the Suns win the Kevin Durant deal?
The Nets have a 0-3 record against the Sixers. Brooklyn made a more long-term trade, but the Suns have a win-now mentality. Phoenix leads the Clippers 2-1 in their current series. The Suns will only know in time if this deal was a success. The Suns are a solid team in the West with Durant, Devin Booker, and DeAndre Ayton.
Durant and Paul both have mid-thirties. The Suns have a short window of opportunity to win a championship with these two veterans. The Suns will consider the deal a failure if they don’t win the Larry O’Brien Trophy with their current team.
