On February 9th, The Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets engaged in a four team trade that sent Kevin Durant and TJ Warren to the Phoenix and Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Juan Pablo Vaulet and 7 draft picks to Brooklyn. This trade immediately set the Suns up as the favorites to win the NBA Championship and put the Nets’ into a rebuilding stage, but what does this trade mean for the future of both franchises?
Despite receiving a Future Hall Of Famer in Kevin Durant, there are still concerns around Phoenix. Their starting lineup is full of scoring and playmaking, led by 12-time all-star, Chris Paul. The veteran playmaker tagged alongside Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton led the Suns to the Finals in 2021. With this trade however, Phoenix lost some valuable pieces from their 2021 Finals run. Mikal Bridges was a starter for that team and Cam Johnson was a 6th Man Of the Year candidate that year. Durant will have to make up for their lack of depth and they will have to rely on other players to take up a bigger role this season.
As for the future, the Suns have only 2 first round picks until 2028. Chris Paul is 37 years old and Kevin Durant is 34 years old, leaving only a couple of years left for them to be at their full potential. It seems as if the Suns are a championship or bust team for the next couple of years.
The Nets traded both of their All-Stars during the trade deadline. This leaves them with 11 first round picks in the next 5 years. With a load of young talent, the Nets are rebuilding but still a team to watch out for in the early rounds or the playoffs. Their young core mixed with their load of picks gives them a bright future and years of contending to come in the following years.