Today’s Thursday is the last day for barter deals in the NBA. And already during the night there were several blockbuster deals.
A week ago the Brooklyn Nets were still title contenders, now they are out. Because after Kyrie Irving’s trade to the Dallas Mavericks, Kevin Durant is now gone. In a spectacular swap, the superstar joined the Phoenix Suns. In addition to Durant, the 2021 NBA finalist also gets TJ Warren and gives a big package to the Nets in return.
In return, Phoenix gives up Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Jae Crowder as well as four first-round picks in the NBA draft to Brooklyn. According to ESPN journalist Adrian Wojnarowski, Crowder is to be exchanged further.
Phoenix is an instant title favorite. With Chris Paul (point guard), Devin Booker (shooting guard) and DeAndre Ayton (center), the Suns already have three stars on the team. Due to injuries, however, the team has not played a major role in the current season. Phoenix currently ranks fifth in the Western Conference table.
The Lakers also bag a big deal
Not only Phoenix and Brooklyn were active that night, the Los Angeles Lakers also apparently bagged a trade. According to media reports, among other things, point guard D’Angelo Russell from the Minnesota Timberwolves is to come to the NBA record champions, Russell Westbrook is to switch to the Utah Jazz. A total of eight players and three teams are involved, as reported by the AP news agency.
The Lakers around superstar LeBron James also get Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt to make it into the playoffs after all. Westbrook usually came on from the bench and caused a bit of unrest recently, and is said to have had a dispute with coach Darwin Ham.
