PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns pulled a midnight blockbuster on Wednesday, 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.
ABC15's Craig Fouhy breaks down what fans need to know about the Suns' deadline moves in the player below:
Phoenix sent Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks and additional draft compensation to the Nets.
The Suns also receive forward T.J. Warren in the deal.
In a separate move, the Suns also dealt Dario Saric to the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday in exchange for forward Darius Bazley, according to multiple reports.
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.
“Mikal, Cam and Jae have been franchise cornerstones during one of the most successful runs in team history. I want to thank them for all that they have contributed to the community in Phoenix and to this organization," Suns Governor Mat Ishbia said.
“Today is a transformative day for this organization. We are thrilled to welcome Kevin and T.J. to the Valley as we build a championship culture both on and off the court," Ishbia added. "Not only is Kevin one of the greatest and most accomplished players in the history of the sport, but his character also embodies the world class commitment to excellence we are instilling across every facet of this organization. T.J. is a natural leader whose work ethic and commitment to getting better every day make him an important addition to the team as he returns to the Valley. Phoenix will be one of the best organizations in all of sports and we are so excited to start our journey with this incredibly dynamic team.”
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.
When former Nets teammate Kyrie Irving heard the news, he said: “I’m just glad that he got out of there.”
The Nets recently traded Irving to the Dallas Mavericks, where he'll pair with Luka Doncic as another top team in the Western Conference. Irving scored 24 points in his Mavs debut against the Clippers on Wednesday.
“We had a lot of conversations throughout the year of what our futures were going to look like," Irving said. "There was still a level of uncertainty but we just cared about seeing each other be places that we can thrive. Whether that be together or whether that be apart, there has never been one moment where I’ve felt like he’s been angry at me for the decisions I’ve made or I’ve been angry at him.
“I just love the competition now that we can be in the same conference.”
