The Phoenix Suns gave up a haul to land Kevin Durant, and those assets have benefited multiple teams.
Blockbuster trades for superstars are always hit or miss. In the case of the Phoenix Suns and Kevin Durant, it was definitely a miss.
Kevin Durant didn’t play badly with the Suns by any means, but they underachieved as a squad after giving up a huge part of their rotation. This year they even failed to reach the Play-In Tournament in 2024-25.
The deal in February of 2023 was meant to take the Phoenix Suns back to the NBA Finals. Instead, they settled for a second-round exit, a first-round exit, and missing the playoffs in consecutive years.
We know how things ended up for Durant and the Suns. But what about all the players and assets the Suns gave up for the former MVP?
For those who have forgotten, this is the trade package that the Suns sent to the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Indiana Pacers for Kevin Durant:
| What the Phoenix Suns traded for Kevin Durant |
| Mikal Bridges Cam Johnson Jae Crowder 2023 First-Round Pick 2025 First-Round Pick 2027 First-Round Pick 2028 First-Round Pick Swap 2029 First-Round Pick |
However, in the years since the deal took place, all these assets have found different fortunes. We go into further detail below:
Mikal Bridges had a strong first year with the Brooklyn Nets, becoming their first option and even helping take them to the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
But when the New York Knicks came calling, the Nets decided to part ways with Bridges, further maximizing their trade haul by moving him for six first-round picks and cap-filling players.
With the Knicks, Bridges would reach the Eastern Conference Finals, playing a pivotal role for the team before they ultimately got beaten by the Indiana Pacers.
Cam Johnson has also elevated to being a key player for the Brooklyn Nets. In the aftermath of the Mikal Bridges trade, Johnson became the first option for the Nets.
He had a strong season, averaging 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. These strong performances have made Johnson a trade target for many teams this offseason.
Johnson is unlikely to be on the Nets come the start of the new season. Where he ends up will be a matter of great interest for several NBA teams.
Jae Crowder left the Suns as part of the Kevin Durant trade and joined the Milwaukee Bucks. He played there until the end of the 2023-24 season, taking part in two playoff runs.
Since then, he signed with the Sacramento Kings one month into the 2024-25 NBA season. However, he only played 10 games for the Kings, including a play-in game.
Where Crowder ends up next season is still unclear. While the Kings might opt to keep him, there is no certainty with the franchise as they’re undecided about their future.
The Phoenix Suns sent four first-round picks and a pick swap to the Nets. The Nets used their 2023 first-round pick to land Noah Clowney with the 21st pick.
As for their picks in 2025, 2027, and 2029, the Brooklyn Nets traded them to the Houston Rockets to re-acquire their 2025 and 2026 first-round picks, while the 2029 pick became part of a four-team swap between the Nets, Rockets, Mavericks, and Suns.
The 2028 first-round pick swap was expanded to include the New York Knicks, who also sent a pick swap to land Mikal Bridges.
The Phoenix Suns are looking to trade Kevin Durant this offseason. Brian Windhorst confirmed a Durant trade is virtually guaranteed.
Houston is the likeliest landing spot, as the Suns want to re-acquire their draft picks from the Rockets as they look to enter a rebuild.
They must prioritize their future, as Devin Booker is still set on staying with the Suns long-term. But some other teams are also eying a move for Durant.
The Kevin Durant saga is sure to generate a lot of interest this offseason, as the Suns look to make a flying start to their rebuild.
