The four days before the 2022-23 NBA trade deadline were full of nothing but constant surprises. Some teams look completely different to how they did less than a week ago.
Among all of the game-changing deals, Kevin Durant's departure from the Brooklyn Nets for the Phoenix Suns definitely had the biggest impact.
Imagine that a team has two historic scorers, Durant and Devin Booker, an experienced playmaker in Chris Paul, as well as a young big man, Deandre Ayton, who averages a double-double since he entered the league.
The Suns on paper have grown as dominant as the Golden State Warriors between 2017 and 2019 when Durant won two NBA championships there. He came very close to starting a new era back then. Will he do it this time?
Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City, January 30, 2023. /CFP
Mikal Bridges of the Phoenix Suns controls the ball in the game against the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, January 28, 2023. /CFP
D'Angelo Russell of the Minnesota Timberwovles dribbles in the game game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, February 7, 2023. /CFP
Eric Gordon of the Houston Rockets holds the ball in the game against the Washington Wizards at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, January 25, 2023. /CFP
Host: Li Xiang
Cover designer: Feng Yuan
Chief editor: Chen Ran
Supervisor: Zhang Shilei