Beyond what could happen at remaining day of the transfer deadlineit is clear that there will be no greater movement than that which led Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns. After the acquisition Kyrie Irving in Dallas, brooklyn nets he got rid of his other superstar, who, let’s remember, had already demanded to leave the franchise before this season.
And while it’s clear that the trade leaves the Nets completely out of contention in the Eastern Conference and in a rebuilding stage, the focus on the Phoenix Suns wakes up has many interesting edges to analyze.
Should they make more moves? Is he the top favorite for 2022-2023? How does Durant fit into the team? Let’s look at these questions, one by one.
The details of the transfer
- To Brooklyn: Cameron Johnson, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, 4 unprotected first round draft picks (2023, 2025, 2027 and 2029) and a 2028 trade.
- To Phoenix: Kevin Durant, TJ Warren
How does Kevin Durant fit into the Phoenix Suns?
One of Durant’s great strengths is his ability to conform to any scheme. This has been proven throughout his career. From small ball from the Warriors, loaded with shooters on his side, to a few Nets who picked up big players without pitching, like Ben Simmons and Nicholas Claxton.
Regardless of the class of companions around him and their characteristics, KD shines.. And Phoenix will be no exception.
Other than that, the lace is really ideal. Chris Paul He’s at a stage where he can no longer score 20 points every night (his 13.6 average is the lowest of his entire career), and he’s going to do what he does best: organizes the attack and serves easy shots to his teammates.
Devin Bookerfor his part, he shares a trait with Durant: he is a superstar who is so dangerous with or without the ball. Escort is very accurate as triple with strong leg (41.9% on catch and shoot triples) and moves very well without the ball. Without going any further, the former Kentucky native is the sixth leading scorer in points per game (2.6) in situations indirect curtains (chooses without possession, to then receive and shoot).
There will be no fighting of egos or overlapping of roles: Paul organizes, Durant is the first choice and Booker is the second, with the ability, at times, to take on that role as the main scorer. The rest for work.
Are the Phoenix Suns the big contender for 2022-2023?
From the league, probably not, but not by much. The Boston Celtics continue to have a scoring duo comparable to Booker-Durant in Brown-Tatum and better complementary pieces and depth around them, as well as far fewer questions about their players’ health.
However, what the handoff does is put Phoenix in the top seed lot, right up there with Boston, Milwaukee and Denver (with apologies to Golden State and its 28-27 record). In fact, these Suns can logically be considered as the The best team in the Western Conferenceknocking off that podium a Nuggets with plenty of offensive talent but serious defensive doubts.
A column consisting of Paul, Booker, Durant and Ayton is enough for win a championship.
How is the Phoenix Suns rotation after Kevin Durant signed?
| Position | Headings | substitutes |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Chris Paul | Cameron Payne |
| Shooting guard | Devin Booker | Damion Lee | Landry Shamet (injured) |
| Eaves | Torrey Craig | TJ Warren |
| Eaves | Kevin Durant | Ish Wainright |
| Inside | deandre ayton | Darius Saric | Bismack Biyombo | Jock Landale |
Should Phoenix make more transfers and signings?
The Suns have the most important thing when it comes to contending for a championship. An elite, star-studded starting lineup. Or rather, four parts of this line-up have yet to determine who will be their starting fifth player or player in the final quintessence: Torrey Craig? Probably today. Dario Saric? Damion Lee?
In an ideal scenario, Phoenix would one more move (either transfer or signing in his market acquisitions) to finish rounding out this quintet. The mold of player to look for is very clear: a defensive forward. Craig complies with this, but if they could get one upgrade In relation to exDenver, it would be amazing for those of Monty Williams.
Of course, this is the problem they have almost run out of pieces to offer in a transfer, so if they do add this player, it’s likely after he’s released from their current team. Luck should help the Suns in this matter, though something will do for them: the offer of fighting for a championship can be very seductive for veteran players who are free in the next few hours.
The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA or its organizations.
