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The Western Conference just got a lot better, how will Monte McNair respond?
Welcome to the wild wild West. How will McNair respond to flurry of trades?
James Ham
February 09, 2023
Don’t say we didn’t warn you. The Denver Nuggets stand alone at the top of the Western Conference. A stumbling Grizzlies team is second and a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in 16 seasons is third. This was always going to be an arms race in the West.
Dallas struck first when they acquired Kyrie Irving to pair with Luka Doncic. The next shoe to drop came when the Lakers pulled off a blockbuster fleecing of the Utah Jazz that landed them D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley. When added to the Rui Hachimura trade from a week ago, the Lakers have now added four rotational players, including at least two starters.
ESPN Sources: The Lakers are finalizing deal to land Minnesota’s D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade including Mike Conley and picks to Timberwolves and Russell Westbrook and a lightly protected 2027 LA first-round pick to Jazz.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn)
1:12 AM • Feb 9, 2023
With the Mavs and Lakers jumping into the race, the Phoenix Suns took the biggest swing imaginable late Wednesday night, dealing Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first round picks and a pick swap for NBA legend Kevin Durant.
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.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn)
6:05 AM • Feb 9, 2023
Welcome to the wild wild West.
How do the Kings respond? Will Monte McNair even try to jump in on the action or has he already been priced out of a market that has completely gone off the rails?
The NBA trade deadline isn’t for the faint of heart, but to quote an old Latin proverb, “fortune favors the bold.”
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