Kevin Durant Trade to Suns from Nets Shocks NBA Twitter on 2023 NBA Deadline Day

The Phoenix Suns have left no doubt that they are trying to win a championship this season after pulling off a blockbuster trade to acquire Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets.

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Durant and T.J. Warren are going to the Suns in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected future first-round picks and a 2028 pick swap.

The reaction from social media to Durant joining the Suns was one of collective shock:

New Suns governor Mat Ishbia, who was officially approved by the NBA on Tuesday, is off to a good start if he wants people to know he will spend to win. Spotrac's Michael Ginnitti noted the deal will increase Phoenix's luxury tax bill from $35.5 million to $67.6 million.

It's a small price to pay if the Suns end up winning a title with Durant.

Things have been unsettled for the Suns on the court this season. They have been as streaky as any team in the league. They won 16 of their first 23 games, went 5-17 from Dec. 5 through Jan. 16 which left them three games under .500.

Since that time, though, the Suns are 9-2 and have climbed back up to No. 5 in the Western Conference. They got Devin Booker back from a groin injury on Tuesday too.

Durant's return from a sprained MCL is still to be determined, but Phoenix's upside with him on the floor alongside Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton is as high as any team in the NBA.