The Suns’ projected starting lineup after the Kevin Durant trade is suddenly the best in the West

The Phoenix Suns made the biggest trade deadline splash in recent memory, impressively acquiring two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant.

This blockbuster move immediately changes the landscape of the Western Conference. Phoenix was able to add Durant without trading any of their stars: Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Chris Paul remain on the Suns.

Durant is a 13-time NBA All-Star who joins Paul (12-time All-Star), Booker (three-time All-Star), and Ayton (former No. 1 overall pick).

It is a massive hit to lose both Mikal Bridges (who has never missed a game since high school) and Cameron Johnson in the same deal. But it was very savvy to re-acquire T.J. Warren, who previously played for the Suns from 2014 until 2019.

Based on our projections, here is how the starters will look in Phoenix:

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BACKUP: Damion Lee, Landry Shamet

Devin Booker has missed some time this season due to injury, but he recently returned to the lineup. When he is in a rhythm, there are few players tougher to stop than the former Kentucky star. Opponents will have nightmares trying to defend both Booker and KD.

BACKUP: TJ Warren, Josh Okogie

Torrey Craig has started most of the games he has played for the Suns so far this season. He is shooting a career-best 40.2 percent on 3-pointers and he is a positively impactful defensive player. When the Suns need an offensive spark, they can turn to T.J. Warren — who had a very good start to his tenure in Brooklyn.

BACKUP: Dario Saric, Ish Wainwright

When you have KD on your roster, as long as he is healthy, you’re probably going to contend for a championship. He is one of the best pure scorers to ever play the game of basketball and his size gives Phoenix a new dynamic that will complement well with Booker.

BACKUP: Bismack Biyombo, Jock Landale

While there was some drama about whether or not Ayton was in it for the long haul in Phoenix, the former No. 1 overall pick is still a double-double machine who is averaging career-high marks in points (18.4 ppg) and assists (2.1 apg) this season.