Chris Paul's intriguing message to Devin Booker over Kevin Durant trade

16 February 2023 , 20:22

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Kevin Durant joined the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster trade last week

The Phoenix Suns are now the latest team in the NBA to boast a superteam after they managed to swing a trade to acquire Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets.

Durant had been unhappy at his previous team since the summer, and was finally able to get out after they had also traded away Kyrie Irving, who went to the Suns' rival Dallas Mavericks.

The Suns sent a huge haul for Durant, giving up Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder and Cameron Johnson along with four first-round picks in an all-in move to attempt to win along with fellow superstars Devin Booker and Chris Paul.

Approaching his 38th birthday, Paul is in the final years of his career, with the Suns knowing that now is the time for them to make an aggressive move if they are to win with this team - even if it means sacrificing future success.

With the team now assembled, they have quickly become NBA final favourites - something which Booker and Paul will want to make right after losing in the 2021 finals to the Milwaukee Bucks.

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Both men are without a ring to their name, with Paul knowing that this could be his last chance to do so before retiring from what has been a hall of fame career.

And Paul has told Booker an interesting message after they acquired Durant. He said: "It's taken some getting used to. I was telling [Devin Booker] the other day, I played with a lot of great players - I got a chance to play with Blake Griffin, I got a chance to play with David West early in my career, I played with James Harden.

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"But I probably never have had these two guys of this calibre, as far as Devin and KD. I know I'm not taking it for granted. I told [Booker] not to."

Booker, still aged just 26, has years ahead of him, as he is already growing into one of the better scorers in the league. Before getting Paul on his team though, he'd been on a number of losing teams - being the best players on those rosters.

Now with Durant and Paul, he might be the third best player - and will likely not be the number one scorer, something that he will not be used to. Durant remains one of the greatest scorers the NBA has ever seen, averaging 30 points per game this season and will certainly increase their chances of winning it all.

Paul will be hoping Booker embraces Durant, like he seemingly already has, rather than becoming frustrated by the score-first forward taking shots away from him.

Charlie Wilson