Kevin Durant Traded to the Phoenix Suns for Bridges, Cam Johnson, Crowder and Picks

Kevin Durant Traded to the Phoenix Suns for Bridges, Cam Johnson, Crowder and Picks

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:25 PM
  • In huge transfer news, Kevin Durant has been traded to the Phoenix Suns
  • He signed with the Nets in 2019 after failing to win an NBA title with GSW
  • The 34-year-old All-Star now joins the fourth NBA team of his long career

Days after Kyrie Irving made a shocking request to get traded from the Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant is on his way out too.

The 13-time All-Star is set to be traded to the Phoenix Suns, ahead of the NBA trade deadline closing in a few hours.

Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, Kyrie Irving
Kevin Durant is set to join his fourth NBA team. Photo by Nic Antaya.
Source: Getty Images

According to Shams Charania from the Athletic, Durant will be traded to the 2021 NBA Finalist for a package including Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, four first-round picks and additional draft compensation.

Wantaway Suns forward, Jae Crowder will also be sent to Brooklyn as part of the deal.

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Like Irving, Durant leaves the Nets after a hugely unsuccessful three-and-a-half years.

After last year's dismal performance in the playoffs, the Suns have made a move that makes their intentions clear - they want to win the title.

With Devin Booker, veteran point guard, Chris Paul and now Durant, they have a team that can go all the way.

Durant was amid a brilliant season with the Nets before he sprained his MCL early last month. He averaged 29.7 points per game and helped the team go on a 12-game winning streak, after a sluggish start to their NBA season.

Please note that trades are only official once team accounts make an official statement. We will endeavour to keep you up to date with the latest updates.

What Durant means for Suns

Mat Ishbia recently took over as the new owner and has added an elite player to his team. The Suns went to the 2021 NBA Finals, but lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games.

Reaching the finals alone was an excellent achievement for the team after a mediocre few years in the NBA. The trade suddenly makes the Suns serious contenders for the title.

Although they lose Johnson's shooting and Bridges' defense, adding Durant certainly makes them one of the best in the league. However, it will take time for the 2014 MVP to gel with Booker and Paul.

Fans reactions to Durant trade

There were rumors that if Irving left Brooklyn, Durant would follow him. Here are some reactions from fans.

@DeleteThisPost:

"With all due respect, we've seen this movie before. Brooklyn has Durant, Harden and Irving. CP3 has taken a huge step back and Phoenix suddenly has no depth. Then there are the injury issues. Yes, you do this trade but let's not anoint anyone yet or else show we learned nothing."

@j1ngriff:

"On paper the starting 5 can matchup with anyone but in regards to health, depth & how good the West is I still don’t see them better than the Nuggets, Warriors, and Clippers this year."

@krissyd82:

"I’ve been a Suns season ticket holder for 10 years and this has been the best day for Suns fans in over a decade. New owner and now Durant. I’m not sleeping tonight."

@hopefulmetsfan:

"Bruh if they don’t win a chip now, the Suns should be removed from the league. KD just ruined the league."

@ThickyFontaine:

"As with anything, it takes time. They’re not the best in the west because of this move. KD still hurt, Book just getting back and CP is cooked."

Durant settles Cole versus Lamar

Sports Brief earlier reported on Durant picking his favorite rapper between Grammy award-winners, J Cole and Kendrick Lamar.

The two-time Finals MVP picked the Crooker Smile star, saying he produces the type of music he loves although he does like both musicians.

"I used to say Kendrick. I used to say clear-cut Kendrick every time. But, as I got into him myself and what I like, Cole is more of my style of rap."
Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.