A few moves have really rocked the NBA throughout the course of its existence, and we got to witness one of them earlier this week. In a historic trade, Kevin Durant was sent to the Phoenix Suns, elevating them to the top of the odds for the title.
Luka Doncic admitted that the Suns are the favorites in the West while Draymond Green said they are the favorites on paper, but added that the Golden State Warriors are still a major factor. Durant has formed another superteam and if the Suns stay healthy, it is going to be difficult for anyone to beat them in a 7-game series.
Considering the magnitude of the move, Zach Lowe stated that it may be the biggest trade in the history of the NBA.
NBA fans debated on the topic, with a few other big moves being brought up.
“kareem to the lakers”
“Pau gasol trade – 2 championships”
“#1 Wilt Chamberlain #2 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar”
“It’s a wait and see to me. Kawhi to the raptors resulted in a chip”
“The Paul George trade, Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks were pretty big trades, both player in their primes aswell compared to KD now”
“Kareem to the Lakers, might have something to say about that.”
“Charles Barkley trade was bigger.”
“Maybe the Ray Allen trade to Boston because it was the only way Kevin Garnett would agree to be traded there shortly after.”
“If they win a ring yeah but until then Kawhi to Toronto owns the cake”
“I agree. Esp considering the timing of this trade”
“Luka for Trae is big too, Kawhi to raptors, drexler to rockets”
“Kevin Garnett to the Celtics”
“Maybe. Definitely the biggest deadline trade ever.”
“Kareem was traded in his prime to the Lakers. That’s the biggest trade in NBA history.”
“Shaq to the Heat”
“Pau Gasol to LAL was pretty huge. I’d go with that”
“Kawhi to Raptors easily”
“What are we talking about here, overall assets or star power? If it’s Star power, then I would say Kareem moving from the Bucks to LA”
“If the suns win the chip then sure but if not it’s Kawhi”
“Garnett to Boston was elite”
It is really hard to argue against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar moving to the Lakers being the biggest trade in NBA history. Kareem was at his peak and he would go on to win multiple MVPs and titles in Los Angeles. In recent NBA history, you would have to say Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors and Kevin Garnett to the Celtics might be better because it resulted in championships.
Charles Barkley Spoke On The Biggest Issue For The Suns
Charles Barkley’s trade to the Suns back in 1992 was massive as well and he did take them to the NBA Finals in his first season. Barkley was excited that the Suns pulled off the Durant trade but he does have one big concern regarding the team.
Barkley feels that their bench isn’t good enough after this move and that to win 3 series to get to the Finals, the bench unit will be huge. The Suns will be an attractive destination for players who get bought out and they’ll be hoping to make some good acquisitions.
Source: newsbreak.com
