Kevin Durant traded from Brooklyn Nets to Phoenix Suns ahead of NBA trade deadline | NBA News

Kevin Durant’s time in Brooklyn ended Thursday when the Nets traded him to the Phoenix Suns as part of a four-team deal.

The Nets got Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, first-round picks in 2023, 2025, 2027 and 2029, and a trade for a first-round pick in 2028 from the Suns, which also got TJ Warren from the Nets.

The Nets also got second-round picks in 2028 and 2029 from Milwaukee and the draft rights to keep Indiana’s Juan Pablo Vaulet in the deal, while Jae Crowder was reassigned from Phoenix to the Bucks via Brooklyn.

Durant, 34, is still playing at an elite level, averaging nearly 30 points per game this season. He asked for a trade last summer and the Suns were interested, and finally got him before the trade deadline on Friday.

The Nets, meanwhile, said they felt that the deal was the best position for future success.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to building a team that Brooklyn deserves,” general manager Sean Marks said in a statement. “We are excited to welcome Mikal, Cam and their families to Brooklyn and thank Kevin for the moments and memories he sent our fanbase.”

Durant is recovering from sprained knee ligaments, and when he returns, it will be a Phoenix lineup that could be one of the best in the Western Conference.

He was moved just days after the Nets traded Kyrie Irving from Dallas, a stunningly quick end to the superstar era in Brooklyn. James Harden was traded at the deadline last year, leaving the Nets with little to show for the short time they had the Big Three together.

Now the Suns’ top talent collection, Durant joins Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton.

The trade comes just hours after new Suns majority owner Mat Ishbia was introduced in Phoenix. The self-described basketball nut, who walked on at Michigan State under Tom Izzo, wasted no time chasing the NBA.

Phoenix has never won a league championship. The Suns made the NBA Finals two seasons ago, but lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. He also played in the finals in 1976 and 1993.

The Suns have had some injuries this season, but have won nine of their last 11 games and look like contenders again. They jumped to fifth in the Western Conference with a 30-26 record. Booker (groin) and Paul (hip) have both recently returned.

When Irving heard the news, he said: “I’m so glad he’s out of there.”

Irving scored 24 points in his Mavs debut against the Clippers on Wednesday. The Nets declined to offer him a contract extension last summer, around the same time Durant told the team he wanted to be dealt.

Eventually, Irving left and Durant followed.

“We had a lot of conversations throughout the year about what our future would look like,” Irving said. “There’s still a level of uncertainty, but we just care about seeing each other as a place where we can move forward. Whether we’re together or not, there’s never been a time when I feel angry at myself for a decision I’ve made or I’m angry at him.

“I just love the competition now that we can be in the same conference.”

Bridges was runner-up to Boston’s Marcus Smart last season for Defensive Player of the Year honors and his offensive game continues to improve. The swingman scored 21 points as the Suns beat the Nets 116-112 in Brooklyn.

That acquisition, along with Dorian Finney-Smith, who arrived with Spencer Dinwiddie from Dallas, should make the Nets a stronger defensive team. But those players can’t replace the firepower the Nets are missing with Durant and Irving, two All-Star starters.

Durant, a two-time NBA Finals MVP with Golden State, is playing the best basketball of his career this season. He averaged 29.7 points and shot a career-high 55.9% from the field when he got hurt Jan. 8 in Miami.

He had his knee re-examined this week and Nets coach Jacque Vaughn said Durant is progressing well, but there is no word on when he will be able to resume full practice.