As soon as Mat Ishbia bought the Phoenix Suns and became controlling governor, his first order of business was to swing for the fences.
Ishiba empowered the Suns’ front office to swing a blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant and they did just that, sending shockwaves throughout the NBA.
Durant had been pining for a trade since the offseason as his relationship deteriorated with the Brooklyn Nets organization.
That summer, there were rumors that Durant would be moved to Phoenix, but no trade materialized as the two sides went back and forth on offers.
However, the Suns eventually caved in when they gave up several key role players and draft assets to acquire the former MVP and two-time NBA champion.
Durant recently opened up about his desire to go to Phoenix via Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.
“I did. I tried but time ran out. I wasn’t going to miss any games because of this whole thing. Once the season rolled around, I was like, whatever happens, happens,” Durant said.
“I did. I tried but time ran out. I wasn’t going to miss any games because of this whole thing. Once the season rolled around, I was like, whatever happens, happens.”
Kevin Durant on trying to leave #Nets for #Suns before last season.
Traded before deadline.
“Perfect timing.” pic.twitter.com/aA0HOZIZav
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 25, 2023
Durant was adamant that he didn’t want to miss any games during the 2022-23 NBA season, so he started that year with the Nets and played to his usual standards.
However, Ishbia’s aggressiveness ultimately won out and Phoenix landed a superstar they’re hoping will lead them to their first NBA Championship.
Durant, like LeBron James, has not been shy about moving from team to team in order to give himself the best possible chance of adding more titles to his resume and the Suns look the part of a championship contender.
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