And yet, the deal still underwhelmed. Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and the No. 10 pick represent only a fraction of the value that the Suns paid to get Durant in 2023, and do little to launch the rebuild the Suns needed. This raises a few important questions surrounding the negotiations, starting with why Phoenix would even take so little.

Zach Lowe later clarified that he didn't mean Kevin Durant would end up on the Celtics, but Boston could help facilitate a deal as a third team.