Kevin Durant talks Suns' title hopes, 'ups and downs' with Nets

PHOENIX — Kevin Durant believes the Phoenix Suns have what it takes to finally win an NBA championship.

«I think we got all the pieces to be successful,» Durant said during a Thursday news conference, his first as a member of the Suns. «We got guys that have experienced what it's like to play in that final round. We got a champion [Suns GM James Jones] already that's overseeing us. Monty's a champion as a coach. So we got guys that been there and that's half the battle, just knowing what it takes.»

Durant's formal introduction in Phoenix came one week after a deal between the Brooklyn Nets and Suns sent shockwaves throughout the NBA. Durant was acquired with veteran swingman T.J. Warren for a package that included Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and multiple future draft picks.

As Durant looked back on his time with the Nets, he reminisced about the limited number of games the superstar trio of himself, Kyrie Irving and James Harden were able to play together.

«We just didn't get on the court enough,» Durant said. «I think when you seen James, Kyrie and myself, it was amazing basketball for [16] games, but in order for you to win a championship and be a great team, you just need more time on the floor.

»It's another story about why we didn't get on the floor together, but we just didn't get enough time on the floor. And those are Hall of Fame players that I learned a lot from every day. I'm wishing them the best as well. It just didn't work out."

Durant, who was seated in between Jones and new Suns owner Mat Ishbia, got emotional while discussing his time in Brooklyn.

«It was a lot of ups and downs, but I loved the grind,» Durant said. «And everybody in Brooklyn loved the grind, too, so I built a family over there. They're