The All-NBA forward and future hall of famer Kevin Durant has been traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster trade per ESPN. After Durant had released his second trade request in a matter of two months, the Nets front office pulled the trigger on trading Durant away in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and four first round picks. This is game changer in the NBA and will affect the Western and Eastern Conferences alike. The first aspect of the trade to address is the failed super-team that was the Brooklyn Nets. The star-studded lineup of James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant only managed to win a single playoff series. Harden was traded to the 76ers, and Kyrie and Durant were traded to Western Conference counterparts three days apart from each other.
The Phoenix Suns may have what they need to finally make a run at a title with Kevin Durant. Durant, with the combination of Devin Booker and Chris Paul, could be deadly. It will be interesting to see how other top teams in the West such as the Nuggets and Grizzlies react to this new Suns team.
This Kevin Durant trade is another example of the super-teams taking the NBA by storm and the somewhat one sided seeming trades that keep occurring. There have been many “four quarters for a dollar” like trades that have been occurring in the NBA as of late. Teams trade away generational talents for numerous players that seem to add up to the skill level of the one player they were traded for. However, the impact that the one star makes always ends up being far more significant than the numerous mediocre role-players they were traded for.
Although many older fans of the game despise these big trades and preach the lack of loyalty among stars, these trades are good for the sport. They keep the game young and increase viewership for the NBA.
It will be interesting to see how the hall of famer, Durant does on his new team in the valley. Will another super team fall flat on its face, or will a championship be brought to Phoenix? Kevin Durant has thrived with certain superstars by his side and melted down with others. Will Durant be a good fit in the Phoenix system and be able to make the trade worthwhile for the Suns front office? All that can be said for now is that a close eye will be kept on Kevin Durant and the Suns as they look to take on the Western Conference after the All Star break.