Stephen A. Smith Says Kevin Durant Trade Makes Suns Top Team in West

Stephen A. Smith believes that the Phoenix Suns are the number one seed in the Western Conference following the trade for Kevin Durant.

Earlier this week, the Phoenix Suns were able to come to terms on a deal with the Brooklyn Nets to land Kevin Durant and TJ Warren. In return, the Nets acquired Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks, and a 2028 pick swap, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Stephen A. Smith believes the move makes them the number one seed in the Western Conference. 

In a recent interview with Nitecast Media's Nick Hamilton, he shared his thoughts on the blockbuster trade.

"It automatically makes the Phoenix Suns the number one seed in the Western Conference, as far as I'm concerned. They are the team to beat, but that doesn't mean that Denver can't beat them, but right now, the bottom line is they are the favorite," said Smith.

The move opened the floodgates before the NBA trade deadline ended on Wednesday afternoon. The most notable trades following the Durant trade were the ones made by division rivals the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers. 

The Clippers acquired Eric Gordon and Bones Hyland and backup center Mason Plumlee. The Lakers traded Patrick Beverley to the Magic to land Mo Bamba. 

Speaking of Kevin Durant, he is currently out with a MCL injury, and has been ruled out through the All-Star game in Utah, according to Chris Haynes. 

If he were able to play in the All-Star game, Durant would have made his 14th appearance. Before he went down with the MCL sprain, he was leading Giannis Antetokounmpo in All-Star voting was on pace to have Team Durant and Team LeBron for the third straight year.

As for the Suns, they are 31-27 following their win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.