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In one of the most explosive Woj bombs in recent memory, news broke late Wednesday night that the Phoenix Suns were nearing a blockbuster trade to acquire Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets. Sure enough, the deal became official a few minutes later, and the Suns immediately lept up the odds board to become the new favorites to win the Western Conference.

Phoenix pulled the trigger at the perfect time, too, as Durant is only in his first year of the massive contract extension he signed in 2021. So, how much money is left on KD’s contract, and how many years do the Suns have control of the future Hall of Famer?

Kevin Durant trade: Suns land superstar in blockbuster deal

Kevin Durant looks on against the Pelicans.
Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans | Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Just when we thought the 2023 NBA trade deadline was going to be a quiet one, mayhem broke out on Wednesday night. First, the Los Angeles Lakers got rid of Russell Westbrook for a package of D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt. Then, after most NBA fans had already gone to sleep, the Suns struck a deal with the Nets to land Kevin Durant. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN was the first to report the trade in a tweet.

According to Woj, Phoenix is sending Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks (2023, 2025, 2027, and 2029), and a 2028 pick swap for Durant and T.J. Warren.

It’s a hefty price to pay, sure, but it’ll be more than worth it if Durant is able to lead the Suns to their first NBA title in franchise history.

Kevin Durant contract: How many years do the Suns have control?

The Suns couldn’t have picked a better time to trade for Durant. The 13-time All-Star signed a four-year extension worth $194 million in 2021, and that deal just kicked in this season. So, KD will be under contract with the Suns for the rest of the season and three more years after that before becoming a free agent in 2026.

Durant is due $42.9 million this year, which is cheaper than it sounds for a player of his caliber. He’ll be due $46.4 million in 2023, $49.9 million in 2024, and $53.3 million in 2025.

As long as Durant doesn’t demand another trade, the Suns will get four postseason runs out of one of the most talented scorers to ever live.

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Jack Dougherty

Writing professionally since 2015, Jack Dougherty spent six years as a sportswriter with publications such as GoPSUSports.com, the Centre Daily Times, and the Associated Press before joining Sportscasting in 2020. He covers the NBA, the NFL, and the world of golf extensively and has added expertise on any team located in or around his hometown of Philadelphia. Yes, that includes the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia 76ers, and Philadelphia Phillies.

When Jack isn’t writing about sports, he’s watching them or playing them as he regularly heads to the gym for some pickup basketball or the golf course to hit the links. He’s also an avid participant in the sports betting scene who worked at a casino sportsbook for a year and learned the ins and outs of the industry before bringing his expertise to Sportscasting with one excellent gambling recommendation after another.