What did Charles Barkley say about Kevin Durant joining the Phoenix Suns?
Charles Barkley and Kevin Durant have exchanged words on social media several times over the last several seasons. The Hall of Famer recently weighed in on the trade that sent Durant to the Phoenix Suns, Barkley's former team, ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
BREAKING: The Phoenix Suns are nearing a blockbuster trade to acquire Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant, sources tell ESPN. Durant wanted move to Suns, and new owner Mat Ishbia pushing to get deal done tonight.
Speaking on "Inside the NBA", Barkley stated:
"The West is so good now, you're going to need a good bench. You can't go to war with just KD, [Devin] Booker, and [Deandre] Ayton because the West is so loaded. If they played the Clippers, the Lakers now, I haven't even mentioned Memphis, your bench is going to be really, really important."
He added:
"The buy-out market, like Chris [Haynes] says, they're going to have to get some big bodies. You just mentioned Cam Payne, he's a little guy. T.J. Warren's a smaller guy. He's about 6'6", 6'7". I'm talking about after that. They gave up a lot so I think the buy-out market - I'm going to be watching that for my Suns. Our starting unit, we're good to go, but to win three series just to get to the Finals, your bench is going to be huge."
While the Suns have a talented roster, they are certainly top-heavy, as Barkley pointed out. Furthermore, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul have all dealt with injury issues. If any of their stars go down in the postseason, it will be much harder for Phoenix to remain competitive.
Check out Charles Barkley's comments on the Phoenix Suns' acquisition of Kevin Durant below:
“The West is so good now, you’re going to need a good bench. You can’t go to war with just KD, Booker, and Ayton.”
Charles reacts to KD’s move to Phoenix https://t.co/Tys0kfmQPA
Kevin Durant and Charles Barkley recently exchanged words
Charles Barkley has not hidden his criticism of Kevin Durant, and he recently labeled the Brooklyn Nets star "insecure" during an interview with Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks.
"I actually like Kevin. I think that he's a great player. I think he's actually a good dude. I think he's insecure at times."
Check out Charles Barkley's full comments below:
"I think he's insecure at times." -Chuck on his exchanges with KD
(via @TaylorRooks) https://t.co/WDnIiRem3j
Durant caught wind of Barkley's comments and responded by calling the Hall of Famer out, noting that they've never had an interaction:
"This clown does not have g14 classification to speak on the god; we’ve never had a real human interaction. … carry on haaaa."
Barkley has been very vocal in his criticism of the 13-time All-Star following his move to the Golden State Warriors. It will be interesting to see if his feelings change now that Durant has joined his former team.
Check out Kevin Durant's response to Charles Barkley below:
This clown does not have g14 classification to speak on the god, we’ve never had a real human interaction…carry on haaaa twitter.com/BleacherReport…