Just a couple days before that, the Mavericks made a significant trade for point guard Kyrie Irving and forward Markieff Morris, for two of Lukas’ favorite teammates Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie, along with a 2029 unprotected first-round pick and two second-round picks.
In my opinion, Dorian Finney Smith was a defensive threat for the Mavericks, that the Mavericks relied on. He could also shoot the 3 ball well, and score when his name was called. In addition, Dinwiddie was a great scorer, who could space the floor well with his length. He was a quick agile, guard, who has played for the Nets in the past.
Mavs fans were in awe, while they were looking for a guy who could accommodate Luka, and were utterly shocked to give up two key role players in the Mavs starting 5. This shifted the focus during the trade deadline towards Kevin Durant, as analysts questioned what Kevin Durant’s next move was. Is there a possibility of a large package trade? Well… that scenario did just that and lets analyze this trade…
Nets’ Acquisitions
The Nets rank fifth in the Eastern Conference, and have a very solid shot to make the NBA Playoffs this year, with a new lineup. Their lineup could potentially have their 4 new acquired players in their starting lineup. The Nets’ potential starting lineup after both superstars’ departure could potentially be point guard Cam Thomas off the bench, a player who shows great confidence on the floor and has the ability to score the ball. Spencer Dinwiddie at the 2 could be lethal, having the ability to guard longer wings, his skillset is unmatched, and is a great finisher around the rim. At the 4, Dorian Finney Smith was a fan favorite in Dallas, and I have no doubt in mind, he will have the same reputation in Brooklyn. SG Mikal Bridges, a guy out of Villanova, a do it all kind of guy, has averaged 17 PPG this season. He will provide great spacing and new opportunities for the Nets to work around him. Also, at the 3, 6’8 Cam Johnson, who has improved this season, has averaged according to ESPN.com around 13 PPG. He also has shot 45 percent from three too, which will be great in their rotation.
Like I said before, Finney Smith provides intangibles, a simple offensive game, a strong defensive presence, and leadership. Finally, a promising, athletic young center from the University of Georgia, Nicholas Claxton, provides another defensive presence, he has a great jump hook and is one of the best rim protectors in the league. At only 23, after the Celtics sweep in last year’s playoffs, Claxton was convinced to fill his role for the Nets organization after a very promising playoff series. According to local Dallas NBA trainer Tim Martin, who trains other NBA athletes like Trae Young, P.J. Washington, and rising phenom that could potentially be the number one pick in next year’s draft Victor Wembanyama. After that grueling summer, Claxton hasn’t looked back, Sports Illustrated reporter Sam Goldberg, concluded that Days after the Nets were eliminated from the playoffs, “Claxton flew himself and a personal chef to Dallas, where he rented an Airbnb and began a fierce summer of work that laid the foundation for his current Defensive Player of the Year campaign,” to work with the popular trainer.
Suns’ Acquisitions
The Suns arguably now have a “super team” with all-star caliber talent with 3 all-stars in the starting 5. Running the point, still chasing his first ring, Chris Paul is arguably one of the best pass-first guards ever to play, leading the top 5 in most assists in his all-time career. Chris Paul is determined to put his team in the best position with his leadership. Devin Booker has been averaging 26 points, with 4 rebounds a game. He will be a great off-the-dribble player, able to make high IQ plays which will benefit the new acquisition of Kevin Durant to take the pressure off of the scoring machine. TJ Warren could potentially enter the starting lineup at the 3 or 4, who provides mid-range scoring. He has been averaging 9.5 points a game. And lastly, Deandre Ayton, another athletic center, has great tendencies on defense and is a strong force inside for the Suns. He has been averaging a double-double with 18 PPG and 10 rebounds a game; Ayton has a lot of promise as a young center in the league. With a great supporting cast in the Suns, the biggest question is will Kevin Durant have a great chance at leading this team to a championship, or be a foot away like two years ago in a crucial game 7?
Pros and Cons
With only a couple of months left of this heightened NBA season, both teams have a legit shot to get a high seed in the playoffs, if teams stay away from the injury bug. Overall, I think both teams won this trade and is a balanced trade. I think the Nets grade of the trade is around an A-. And I would say the Suns grade is a solid A. However, some analysts have argued that the Suns lost bench depth and have suffered injuries. Cameron Payne is out with an injury, Landry Shamet is out, and also veteran Torrey Craig is a solid role player for the Suns. The Suns already play with so much chemistry already, that KD might mesh into offense and defense very well. The Nets have a lot of promise to finish the season on a high note, with other reliable and integral pieces to their team like sniper Joe Harris, Cam Thomas, Royce O’Neale, and Ben Simmons are a great supporting role for this young team. Don’t sleep on the Nets this last stretch of the season. Will KD be guaranteed a championship with a new team with new foes in the West? We will have to see…
My Reaction
On the morning of Thursday, February 9th, I was waking up at around 5:45 in the morning, and one notification popped on my phone from ESPN saying, “Breaking: Kevin Durant traded to Suns!” I was completely off guard and unaware, and not fully awake to realize how impactful this trade was. There weren’t any details available to see who each team received at the time.
However, over time, the Nets received a gargantuan package for Durant and forward TJ Warren. The Nets received Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Jae Crowder, along with 4 first-round picks (2023, 2025, 2027, 2029), a 2028 pick swap, and also five second-round picks. The Nets and KD weren’t on great terms throughout this 2022-2023 season; former Nets head coach Steve Nash was fired unexpectedly in the middle of the season because of KD’s complaints and Kyrie Irving’s off court issues. “We both felt that this was time,” Marks said at a news conference before the Nets faced the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center on Tuesday night. “It was certainly trending that way, and to be quite frank, the team was not doing what it was supposed to be doing. We’ve fallen from our goals.” This statement from Nets GM Sean Marks, discusses his frustration in his team, after a 2-5 start.
Stay tuned to The Roundup for more NBA basketball coverage!
