NBA Pretender or Contender: Bucks look legit; Celtics, Grizzlies fading?

Milwaukee Bucks (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)
Milwaukee Bucks (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)
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NBA
NBA Phoenix Suns duo (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)

Phoenix Suns

At the NBA Trade Deadline, the Phoenix Suns elected to go all-in on this season and moved all their chips to the center of the table, and acquired Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets. It’s a move that could be remembered as one of the best trades in recent NBA history if it ends up delivering a championship to Phoenix.

At their best, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are one of the most dangerous offensive duos in the league.

Looking at the rest of the Western Conference, I don’t believe there’s a duo out there that I would take before a healthy Durant and Booker. And Deandre Ayton is a heck of a third option. Whether the team has enough depth to win a championship this year is a legit concern. However, there’s no question that this team has the top-level elite talent that it takes to win a championship.

Whether or not this team can remain healthy throughout the playoffs remains to be seen. But, if they can, the Suns may be the favorites, despite their seeding, out West.

Verdict: Contender