the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns worked out a deal to send superstar forward Kevin Durant to Phoenix, along with forward TJ Warren. In return, the Suns will get forwards Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Jae Crowder, as well as four unprotected first-round picks in 2023, 2025, 2027, and 2029.

• The Suns are sending Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks, a 2028 pick swap for Durant and TJ Warren, sources tell ESPN. Durant wanted move and new owner Mat Ishbia pushed to get deal done tonight. https://t.co/fqFUMIDllo

  — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023

• But earlier in the week, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reported on First Take that the Celtics could once again launch a pursuit of then Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant. Per Smith, Jaylen Brown could’ve be part of Boston’s outgoing package.

  “I’m hearing that [Durant]’s on the verge of potentially being moved out, as we’ve all been speculating about that, that he may be moved,” Smith said on Monday’s First Take. “On the phone, I’m hearing Boston has been making some calls. Keep your eye on that. Jaylen Brown. Keep your eye on that.”

  Unfortunately to some Celtics fans, that never happened. But Stephen A Smith did say he’d strongly consider moving Jaylen Brown for Durant if he was running the show.

   

• 

• “I love Jaylen Brown. Jaylen Brown is spectacular. He’s got youth on his side. He’s something special, but if I had an opportunity to get Kevin Durant and pair him with Jayson Tatum, that is not with three years guaranteed left on this contract where I don’t have to worry about him going anywhere else. I’m sorry. I’m strongly considering.”

• LISTEN HERE

• Nick Gemelli is a Producer for the Toucher and Rich program and contributor for 985thesportshub.com. you can follow Nick at @NickGemelli on Twitter.

  Follow @Toucherandrich on Twitter, @Toucherandrichofficial and @fredtoucher on Instagram to keep up with the show!

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