When Kevin Durant was traded to the Phoenix Suns late on Wednesday night, it completely changed the way people look at the league.
The Brooklyn Nets are no longer in the running to make the Finals and the Suns are now favorites in the West.
But it wasn’t just those two teams who were affected by this monstrous trade.
Multiple franchises are going to feel the impact of Durant switching squads.
This is nuts. The Pelicans were one of the best teams in the West like a month ago and now they might miss the play-in. Life moves fast in the Association.
— Naveen Ganglani (@naveenganglani) February 9, 2023
As NBA writer Naveen Ganglani points out, the New Orleans Pelicans were once the best team in the Western Conference and now they might end up missing the play-in tournament entirely.
They were already struggling to stay in contention for the play-in games before the Durant trade but his entrance in Phoenix is going to improve that team’s chances and harm everyone else’s.
The Pelicans are currently seventh in the West with a 29-27 record, which is a far cry from where they were just a few weeks ago.
If they are able to get Zion Williamson back soon they could cobble together a string of important wins and keep themselves in the running.
But that’ll be so much harder since the Suns are sure to rocket up the standings when Durant finally suits up.
Practically every other team in the West is sweating this news too, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, and any team whose playoff chances aren’t assured right now.
This just goes to show how impressive the Suns are going to be now.
With the addition of Durant, that team is going to be the favorite to take over the conference and make the Finals.
And they might leave every other franchise cowering in fear.
NEXT: Jay Williams Has A Strong Opinion About Suns After Kevin Durant Trade
