The Brooklyn Nets accommodated Kevin Durant with a trade to the Phoenix Suns in large part due to the relationship he had with Joe Tsai and Sean Marks, according to Nick Friedell.

Tsai and Marks "adored" Durant, according to Friedell, and the Suns were the team he wanted to play for.

Durant rescinded his trade request last offseason and played at an MVP level for the Nets without any subsequent issues.

Even after the Irving trade, Durant remained silent on the situation and worked behind the scenes with the Nets on a resolution.