Applauded, Durant says Suns have everything to gain

PHOENIX (AP) — Kevin Durant has watched the Phoenix Suns from afar for the past few years. He admired the core of the team, consisting of Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton.

Now he himself is part of the group.

“We have all the pieces to be successful,” said Durant, a 13-time All-Star who was introduced to the Footprint Arena court Thursday to some 3,000 fans who showed up mid-afternoon just to listen to the way. the veteran striker answered a few questions.

Many were already wearing No. 35 jerseys, which have sold out quickly at a downtown store since general manager James Jones agreed to the colossal Brooklyn Nets trade last week.

Almost every time Durant attempted to speak at Thursday’s event, he was interrupted by cheers from an audience happy for the arrival of the biggest star Phoenix has signed since 1992, when Charles Barkley also was acquired in exchange.

Durant, a two-time Finals MVP, enjoyed the applause but felt he didn’t deserve it.

“I appreciate your warm welcome, but we have work to do,” he said.

He then added: “I feel like I still have to prove myself. I want to offer good material for videos every day. That’s the only thing that worries me at this point in my life, making good games every night. I can’t wait to do it for the Suns fans, and I hope they pick me up after that.”

At 34, Durant still plays at the elite level. He’s averaging nearly 30 points per game this season.

He first asked for a trade last summer, and the Suns were interested in him before Durant mended his relationship with Brooklyn. The Nets eventually waived him, less than 24 hours before the trade deadline.

Phoenix paid a heavy price. He got rid of Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Jae Crowder, along with first-round picks from the 2023, 2025, 2027 and 2029 drafts, along with other compensation.

Bridges was a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award, while Johnson emerged as a versatile scorer.

Durant is recovering from a sprained knee ligament. When he returns, he’ll join a Phoenix roster that could suddenly be one of the best in the Western Conference.

The star hoped to be back after the All-Star Game.

Booker and Durant played together on the U.S. team that won gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

“I think I’ve built my game around efficiency, making good shots and playing both ends of the court,” Durant said. “I think my defense feeds my attack. I like shooting from mid-range, attacking the basket, doing little things in attack, and I think that’s what makes you a versatile player who can adapt to any attack.”