Kevin Durant boasts an impressive resume, including four Olympic championships and two NBA titles.
NBA star Kevin Durant is set to join the Houston Rockets, departing from the Phoenix Suns in a landmark trade involving seven teams.
News of the agreement initially surfaced last month, with official confirmation arriving Sunday as the league year commenced.
The extensive deal involves the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Los Angeles Lakers, encompassing the exchange of 13 players and multiple future draft selections.
This transaction eclipses the previous record for the largest NBA trade, a six-team agreement reached last summer when Klay Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks.
Durant, 36, was named the 2014 Most Valuable Player, secured two NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors, and has earned 15 All-Star selections.
His achievements also include four Olympic gold medals with the U.S. basketball team.
“My time in Phoenix has come to an end,” Durant shared on social media.
“All these stops along the journey have really impacted me in a positive way. Remember it’s a world behind the scenes, and those who make things work in that space, work tirelessly to make our lives easier as players.
“I truly believe this NBA is a one big community. Much love to Arizona. Houston, Can’t Wait!”
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka commented: “His skill level, love of basketball, and dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected players of his generation, and my staff and I are excited to work with him.”
Houston concluded the previous season as the Western Conference’s second-ranked team, but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
“One of the greatest to ever play the game, we are grateful for the impact Kevin made on our organization and in our community,” said Phoenix general manager Brian Gregory.
“As a member of the Suns, he climbed the scoring charts to become just the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 career points, and we wish him the best as he continues his career in Houston.”
As part of the agreement, Houston will acquire Durant and 31-year-old Swiss center Clint Capela from Atlanta – who began his career with the Rockets.
In return, the Suns will receive 18-year-old South Sudanese center Khaman Maluach, the 10th overall pick in June’s NBA draft, along with forward Dillon Brooks and guard Jalen Green. Additionally, Phoenix will gain Atlanta wing Daeqwon Plowden, Minnesota forward Rasheer Fleming, and Golden State guard Koby Brea, plus two future draft picks.
The Hawks, in turn, will acquire David Roddy, cash considerations, and a 2031 draft pick swap from Houston.
Brooklyn will receive two future second-round picks while sending a draft pick, forward Adou Thiero, to the Lakers.
The Warriors will obtain Australian forward Alex Toohey, originally drafted by the Suns, and guard Jahmai Mashack, the final pick in the draft for the Rockets.
Minnesota will secure two future draft picks from the Suns and 18-year-old Australian center Rocco Zikarsky, a draft pick from the Lakers.