Expectations for the Phoenix Suns have gone through the roof following the NBA Trade Deadline. Phoenix made a huge acquisition, landing Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets, along with T.J. Warren. Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and four first-round picks ended up with the Nets as part of the four-team deal.
Durant has yet to suit up for his new team as he works his way back from a sprained MCL. But, he has been active in practice and shootarounds and is getting closer and closer to making his debut.
Once he joins the lineup, the Suns are going to have one of the best scoring duos in the NBA with him joining Devin Booker. Add Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul to the mix and the Suns have something cooking in the desert.
The Suns are now the betting favorites to win the Western Conference, but there is plenty of work left to do. They are currently in fifth place but are only 1.5 games behind the third-place Sacramento Kings and 4.5 games behind the second-place Memphis Grizzlies.
NBA NEWS: Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul & Phoenix Suns Updates
Navigating through the conference will not be easy as there are some tough matchups. Based on the current standings, the Suns would face the LA Clippers in the first round and the conference-leading Denver Nuggets in the second round.
But, this is an experienced group with championship aspirations. Booker noted that they got close in 2021 and this year wants to finish the job.
“Once you get a taste of Finals experience and having that under your belt, that’s all that you want,” Booker told reporters. “We have one goal. We know it’s not going to be easy to get there, but we feel we have the talent. We have the mindset and everything it takes right here in this gym.”
NBA NEWS: Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul & Phoenix Suns Updates
Phoenix won’t have much time left in the regular season to build chemistry and cohesion with Durant in the lineup as they have only 22 games remaining. Staying healthy will be key as Booker, Paul and Durant have all missed extended time this season because of injuries.
If all three of them can stay on the court, the Suns have as good of a chance as anyone to raise the Larry O’Brien Trophy at the conclusion of the NBA Finals in June.
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