The NBA world was sent into a frenzy on Thursday as the trade deadline came and went with several major deals being made. The biggest move of the day was the Brooklyn Nets acquiring Kevin Durant, Jae Crowder, and a protected 2024 first-round pick from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for a package that included James Wiseman and a 2021 first-round pick.
The move has already been praised by many, as the Nets now have a formidable trio of Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. ESPN’s Get Up said the trade “sends the NBA world into a frenzy” and discussed how the move impacts the Suns’ championship chances and the Nets’ future. Stephen A. Smith of ESPN’s First Take said this is the best chance for the Suns to win a title in his lifetime.
In other moves, the Western Conference saw several teams making moves. The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported that the Mavericks acquired J.J. Redick, the Lakers acquired Andre Drummond, the Rockets traded for Kelly Olynyk and D.J. Augustin, and the Warriors acquired Brad Wanamaker.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons made comments on Twitter about Durant and Kyrie Irving earlier this year that didn’t age well after the trade deadline. NESN reported that Simmons said, “No way KD and Kyrie join forces,” and “It’s not happening.”
The NBA trade deadline has certainly made an impact on the league and it remains to be seen how these moves will affect the rest of the season.