Suns get another star: Phoenix acquires KD in deal with Nets

PHOENIX, February 10 ------ The Phoenix Suns pulled a midnight blockbuster acquiring 13-time All-Star Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets, according to multiple reports.

The outlets, citing unnamed sources, said the Suns added Durant to a starting lineup that already includes an All-Star backcourt of Chris Paul and Devin Booker, along with center Deandre Ayton. The Suns also receive forward T.J. Warren in the deal. Phoenix sent Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks and additional draft compensation to the Nets.

The 34-year-old Durant is still playing at an elite level, averaging nearly 30 points per game this season. Durant and the Suns were linked to trade rumors over the past summer, but nothing materialized until Wednesday.

The trade comes just hours after new Suns majority owner Mat Ishbia was introduced in Phoenix. The self-described basketball nut, who was a walk-on at Michigan State under Tom Izzo, didn't waste any time shaking up the NBA.

Phoenix has never won an NBA championship. The Suns made the Finals two seasons ago, but lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. They also played in the Finals in 1976 and 1993. The quartet of Durant, Paul, Booker and Ayton appears to immediately turn the franchise into title contenders again. The Suns have had several injuries this season, but played better in recent weeks. They jumped to fifth in the Western Conference with a 30-26 record. Booker (groin) and Paul (hip) have both recently returned. Durant is currently recovering from a ligament strain in his right knee, but is expected to return soon.

Source: spin.ph

Editor's note:

In another trade to beat the midnight trade deadline, Los Angeles Lakers initiated an eight-player trade involving the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Utah Jazz. The Lakers sends Russell Westbrook, Juan Toscano Anderson, Damian Jones, and a lightly protected 2027 first-round pick to the Jazz. The Lakers will get back their former first-round pick D'Angelo Russell from the Timberwolves as well as Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt from the Jazz. The Timberwolves gets Mike Conley and Nickeil Alexander-Walker from the Jazz, along with three second-round picks.