While you were getting some much-needed beauty sleep Wednesday night, the Phoenix Suns were exploring ways to expedite their makeover. That led to one of the biggest trades in years.
Phoenix acquired Kevin Durant and TJ Warren from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and four unprotected first-round picks. While the Nets didn’t exactly lose by getting such a great haul in a deal that seemed necessary, the Suns are definitely the biggest winners here.
With Durant, they have a starting lineup that can compete with anybody, and the betting odds at BetMGM reflect that. Phoenix went from +1800 to win the NBA title — sixth-best in the Western Conference — to +450, which is second-best in the entire NBA.
Now favored to win the West, Phoenix will have to start by making up ground in the standings. The Suns are in fifth place, with 8.5 games between them and the first-place Denver Nuggets. They’re still second overall to the reigning East champion Boston Celtics, who have +350 odds to win the title.
If Phoenix can stay healthy, the odds makes sense. Outside of Denver, which was beginning put some distance between itself and the Memphis Grizzlies, the West appeared to be wide open. The Suns give the conference another potential heavy hitter, and one that won’t be easy to slow down — even if they’re playing the Celtics.
The Suns were in the NBA Finals themselves just two years ago, and last season’s playoff letdown ultimately stemmed from Chris Paul wearing down in the playoffs and Devin Booker being unable to carry the load offensively. Durant’s presence lessens the burden on each.
