basketball
Superstars en masse in the NBA West: Durant wants the third ring
Basketball star Kevin Durant joins the Phoenix Suns. photo
© Craig Mitchelldyer/AP/dpa
The numerous barter deals have massively shifted the balance of power in the NBA. In the west, numerous stars are fighting for a playoff spot. It should be tight for LeBron James.
The spectacular move from basketball superstar Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns shakes up the balance of power in the North American professional league NBA.
The Suns, who were able to sign the 34-year-old in a barter deal at the end of the transfer period, presented themselves with corresponding pride. Durant is “not only one and the most talented player in the history of the sport,” but also embodies outstanding commitment, as new Suns owner Mat Ishbia said. After 2017 and 2018, Durant is about the third championship ring.
More stars are now playing in the Western Conference with the arrival of Durant, who is moving from the Brooklyn Nets to Arizona in a trade for Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder and Cam Johnson. The Suns around Durant, Chris Paul and Devin Booker are now going into the hot phase of the season as favorites two years after their final defeat. But the Dallas Mavericks (Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving), the Los Angeles Clippers (Kawhi Leonard and Paul George) and the defending champions Golden State Warriors around the currently injured Stephen Curry also have highly ambitious teams in their ranks.
The West is so strong that it will be difficult for the Los Angeles Lakers around points record holder LeBron James and national player Dennis Schröder with a playoff participation. That’s why the Lakers rebuilt their squad again on Thursday. Russell Westbrook moved away (to the Utah Jazz), as did Patrick Beverley (to the Orlando Magic) and Thomas Bryant (to the Denver Nuggets). Point guard D’Angelo Russell from the Minnesota Timberwolves and center Mo Bamba from the Orlando Magic will play in the Lakers jersey in the future.