The landscape of the Western Conference has wholly changed on NBA trade deadline day. While it has been a tight battle for the Playoffs spots in the West, there wasn’t a clear favorite to win it till now. However, the Phoenix Suns will now consider themselves the front runners for a trip to the NBA Finals. After making the Finals in 2021, Suns fans will hope to go one step further after the team acquired 2x Finals MVP Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade on deadline day. While the Suns had to give up multiple assets to the Brooklyn Nets, one, in particular, hurts the fans the most.

With star Devin Booker injured for an extended period, the Suns stayed competitive with the help of Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges. While Paul and Ayton earn the big bucks, Suns fans shared a special connection with Bridges. The 26-year-old’s determination and continuous improvement won over the fans’ hearts. However, seeing him leave left a sour taste in their mouths. The trade even took Bridges by surprise and he had an honest reaction to the news.

Mikal Bridges receives love from Suns fans

After days of rumors following Kyrie Irving‘s trade to the Dallas Mavericks, the Nets finally decided to accept the Suns’ offer for Durant. The Suns traded Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four 1st round picks, and a 2028 pick swap to the Nets to acquire KD and T.J. Warren.

Acquiring someone of Durant’s caliber required the Suns to give up major assets. However, fans were sad to see Bridges leave. After hearing the news, Bridges tweeted, “Ohmygod lol“. Suns fans were quick to show love to the departing star on Twitter.

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Kevin Durant makes the Phoenix Suns instant favorites

The Suns had built a solid roster around franchise cornerstone Devin Booker and were one of the best teams in the West for the past couple of years. However, an injury to Booker this season has seen them get caught in a battle for the Playoffs.

Amid various trade rumors and a change in ownership, the Suns will be more than pleased to acquire a player of Durant’s caliber. Facing the big 3 of Durant, Booker, and Paul will make any opponent sweat. Currently sitting in the 5th spot with a 30-26 record, the Suns will be hoping to move up the standings and get home-court advantage at least for the first two rounds.

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The NBA never ceases to amaze fans and everyone will be looking forward to seeing Durant play in Phoenix. What are your thoughts on the trade? Let us know in the comments.