Deandre Ayton “speechless” about Phoenix Suns acquiring Kevin Durant: “Ain’t that something?”
Deandre Ayton had the same reaction as everyone else about the Phoenix Suns acquiring Kevin Durant before the trade deadline this year. The Suns engaged in a blockbuster deal with the Brooklyn Nets, sending Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and four first-rounders plus pick swaps the other way to avail KD's services.
The Suns have struggled to replicate their success from the last two seasons, but Durant's addition now puts them back into championship contention, probably the favorites to win it all. Here's what Ayton said about the Suns trading for KD (via Kellan Olson):
"That's the question i'm trying to answer my damned self. I'm really speechless to be honest. We got KD! Ain't that something?!"
Deandre Ayton on his reaction to Kevin Durant's arrival: "That's the question i'm trying to answer my damned self. I'm really speechless to be honest. We got KD! Ain't that something?!"
The Phoenix Suns were among the teams interested in the two-time champion when he asked for a trade last offseason. The Suns' deal could've been centered around Deandre Ayton at the time. However, they were reluctant to include the pieces they eventually did to acquire Kevin Durant.
Durant stayed in Brooklyn while the Suns matched the offer sheet presented to then-restricted free agent Ayton, forbidding him from being included in a trade until January 15th. Durant also seemed happy with the Nets after their remarkable turnaround before he went down with an injury.
Kyrie Irving, however, asked for a trade after contract negotiations fell apart with the organization. Kevin Durant asked for a trade again, and the Phoenix Suns pounced on the opportunity to add the former MVP, doing so without including Deandre Ayton, making this a steal deal for Phoenix to an extent.
Kevin Durant attends Phoenix Suns home game as his co-stars shine in blowout win over Kings
The Phoenix Suns fans had plenty to cheer about as Kevin Durant sat on the sidelines during the team's 120-109 win over the Sacramento Kings at home. Durant is recovering from an MCL injury and is expected to be back after the All-Star break.
Kevin Durant is excited before the start of tonights Suns game, and the fans are excited about Kevin Durant: https://t.co/igWYcHBjB4
The Suns didn't need their superstar just yet, as his three co-stars handled business against the Kings in style. Devin Booker scored 32 points on 65.0% shooting, Deandre Ayton bagged 29 points, 11 rebounds, four steals, and two blocks, while Chris Paul recorded 17 points and 19 assists.
The Kings are one of the legitimate playoff contenders this season, so it was a remarkable win for the Durant-less Phoenix team. If their core over the last two seasons continues to perform like this after KD's return, the Suns could emerge as the most unstoppable team in the NBA.
They lack depth with the departures of Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson. However, if their four stars remain healthy, the Suns may not miss the services of two of their most reliable role players.