BREAKING: Phoenix Suns closing in on Kevin Durant, confirms Shams Charania

The Phoenix Suns are reportedly close to acquiring Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. The Suns have been linked to Durant since the Nets traded Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks earlier this week.

Durant is currently out with an injury but is expected to return sometime after the All-Star break. He requested a trade in the offseason before changing his mind after Irving opted into the final year of his deal.

Charania has confirmed that the Suns are trading Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, Cam Johnson, four first-round picks and additional draft compensation in exchange for Durant. The former MVP will get to team up with Chris Paul, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton in Phoenix.

Shams Charania

@ShamsCharania

Kevin Durant Phoenix Suns.

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Kevin Durant ▶️ Phoenix Suns. https://t.co/QhLdYk7CF8

Acquiring Kevin Durant and not losing any of their top three players could make the Suns favorites in the Western Conference. The Suns were on a roll at the start of the season, but injuries halted their progress.

Now that everyone is back to full health, the Suns have climbed back up the standings. Durant's arrival makes them one of the most formidable teams in the West.

Meanwhile, the Nets have practically started rebuilding following the trades of Durant and Kyrie Irving. The past few years have been a complete disaster for Brooklyn, as they only won one playoff series with Durant, Irving and James Harden.

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What is Kevin Durant's injury?

Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets

Kevin Durant has not played since Jan. 8, when he suffered an injury against the Miami Heat. Durant was injured after Jimmy Butler accidentally landed on his leg during a play. He was later diagnosed with a sprained right MCL, the same injury that kept him out for more than a month last season.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Durant will likely return after the All-Star break. However, when he does so, Durant will be wearing a new uniform following his trade from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns.

Durant was an absolute monster before the injury. He was averaging 29.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. He shot 55.9% from the field, 37.6% from beyond the arc and 93.4% from the free-throw line.

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