The entire NBA world was shocked the other day when it was announced that Kevin Durant was leaving the Brooklyn Nets for the Phoenix Suns.
With just this one trade, the Suns became favorites to win the West and Durant radically changed the future for not just his team but many others too.
There have been various major reactions to the Durant trade.
Even the most level-headed players across the league have shown big emotion and shock at Durant’s move to Phoenix.
Kawhi Leonard’s Reaction to the KD Trade:
“Oh.” pic.twitter.com/vlWLDciUN4
— Hoop Muse (@HoopMuse) February 9, 2023
Then there is Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Long known for his quiet demeanor and unflappable attitude, Leonard’s response to the Durant trade was totally on brand: “Oh.”
It sounds like Leonard isn’t afraid of Durant in his conference, which isn’t surprising at all.
Nothing really gets under his skin and he is always focused on basketball and only basketball.
In that way, he’s a lot like Durant.
However, there is no doubt that Durant on the Suns is going to hurt Leonard’s chances of making the Western Conference Finals.
In just minutes after the Durant trade, the Suns were the odds-on favorites to reach the Finals, according to betting markets.
Even before the shakeup in Phoenix, the Clippers were already struggling to show they have what it takes to go far in the playoffs.
It is true that they have gotten better lately and are currently the fifth-best team in the conference.
But they have some tough competition and the on-again, off-again schedule of Leonard isn’t helping them.
Now that Phoenix is about to be a powerhouse, their challenges will be even bigger.
However, Leonard isn’t losing any sleep about it.
NEXT: The Clippers And Rockets Are Each Landing Key Veterans
