The first domino of the NBA trade season fell this weekend when Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. It didn’t take long for that trade request to be granted, as Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon.
Irving will now be teaming up with Luka Doncic to form a star-studded backcourt. He is on his way there along with Markieff Morris, while Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick and two future second-round picks are on their way to Brooklyn.
That has led to a lot of questions about what is next for the Nets. The future of Kevin Durant has been discussed as teams are hopeful that he will once again request a trade now that Irving is no longer on the team.
Were that to happen, keep an eye on the Phoenix Suns as a potential landing spot. According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Suns are prepared to pursue Durant should he become available.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets & Phoenix Suns Updates
This isn’t the first time that the Suns have looked into acquiring the former MVP. During the offseason when Durant made his trade request, the Suns were considered the favorites to land him in a trade. Talks ended up not getting too far along, but the front offices did speak.
They also had discussions about Irving before he was dealt to the Mavericks. The asking price was astronomical, as Brooklyn reportedly sought three first-round picks along with Chris Paul and Jae Crowder. That kind of package is something Phoenix may be more willing to offer for Durant, who is locked into a long-term contract and doesn’t carry anywhere near the baggage that Irving does.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets & Phoenix Suns Updates
This will be something to keep an eye on ahead of the trade deadline and heading into the offseason. The Nets likely want to make things work with Durant for the remainder of this season, but some more major changes could be on the horizon depending on how things shake out in the coming days, weeks and months.
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