NBA analyst shares Kawhi Leonard’s reaction to Kevin Durant’s trade news: “They felt the shockwaves of Kevin Durant"
Kawhi Leonard shared a reaction to Kevin Durant's trade to the Phoenix Suns that he can only make despite the hype surrounding the deal. The LA Clippers star has been more focused on their team's goals this season, which is why he isn't bothered by what happened in Phoenix.
ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk shared the details of how the Clippers' trade deadline went down. He also detailed Leonard's reaction to the Durant trade.
"They saw the Lakers upgrade, they saw the Mavs first-hand with the guy they actually pursued, Kyrie Irving. And then they felt the shockwaves of Kevin Durant... I relayed the news to Kawhi Leonard in the locker room and told him cause he heard me talking about it. He said, 'What happened?' I said, 'Kevin Durant's going to the Suns.' And I relayed the details."
"In typical understated Kawhi manner, 'Oh.'"
On the night before they made moves today, the Clippers felt the shockwaves of the KD trade and the increasing Western Conference arms race. Went on NBA Today to discuss how Kawhi and PG left Crypto last night knowing Kevin Durant is also now in their way of winning the West. https://t.co/CoQWYutmmm
"He would later tell the media, 'Listen, I can only concentrate on what we have to do.'"
Leonard's focus this season seems to be more on what his team will achieve. During the trade deadline, the Clippers made notable moves to better surround him and George. They traded John Wall back to the Houston Rockets and acquired Eric Gordon in return via a three-team trade, which also included Luke Kennard.
Rockets are trading Eric Gordon to the Clippers for John Wall in a multi-team trade, per @ShamsCharania
Danny Green to the Rockets and Luke Kennard to the Grizzlies https://t.co/zHfWk7uzIo
They were also able to flip Reggie Jackson for Mason Plumlee, sending him to the Charlotte Hornets. With Plumlee, the Los Angeles squad will have additional depth on the frontcourt. This has been one of their main concerns as Ivica Zubac is the only productive bigman for the team.
Also read: What did Kyrie Irving say about Kevin Durant's trade to Phoenix Suns? Explaining subtle shots fired at Brooklyn Nets, "praying for happiness" comments
Kevin Durant transformed the Suns into a championship or bust team, according to Kendrick Perkins
With the Suns' recent deal, their chances of winning the Larry O'Brien trophy have increased tremendously. With Kevin Durant's arrival, they've become one of the picks of the most experts to win the title. If everything works and no one suffers a serious injury, that could jeopardize their season.
Former teammate of Durant, Kendrick Perkins, shared why the Suns need to win the chip now that they've given up a ton of assets for the 13-time All-Star.
"They have to win a championship this year... They made a move, they gave up Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, four first-round picks to win a championship this year. Not next year, not the year after next. This year. It's championship or bust."
It's up to Phoenix to make things work and not disappoint in the postseason. The Suns will be back in action tonight against the Atlanta Hawks.
Also read: NBA fans in meltdown as Kevin Durant to Phoenix Suns is confirmed ahead of trade deadline: "Kyrie ends up forcing the rebuild of the Nets"