Unprecedented Trade Sends Durant to Houston Rockets

Superstar Kevin Durant will move from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets in a record-breaking seven-team deal in the NBA, as confirmed by the Rockets.

As part of the agreement, Houston will reacquire center Clint Capela in a sign-and-trade deal from the Atlanta Hawks, according to reports from The Athletic and ESPN, citing unnamed sources.

The blockbuster trade also involves the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Los Angeles Lakers.

Durant, a 15-time All-Star and four-time NBA scoring champion, will turn 37 in September. The 2014 NBA MVP previously won titles with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. Houston will be the fifth team Durant has played for in the league.

Durant posted a farewell message to Phoenix fans on his “X” account, expressing excitement about the move to Houston.

“My time in Phoenix has come to an end,” Durant wrote. “Each stop on this journey has impacted me positively. Remember, there’s a world behind the scenes, and the people making it work tirelessly so we, the players, can thrive. I truly believe this league is one big community. Much love to Arizona. Houston, I can’t wait.”

Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone said in a statement: “Kevin impacts the game on both ends of the floor and is one of the most efficient scorers in basketball history.”

Capela, 31, who plays center, spent his first six NBA seasons with the Rockets and the last five with the Hawks. He averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1 block per game last season. He will now join New Zealander Steven Adams as a backup center behind Turkish standout Alperen Şengün.

In return for losing Durant, the Suns will acquire 7’2″ South Sudanese prospect Khaman Maluach, who is projected to go 10th in the upcoming draft, as well as Rockets players Dillon Brooks (Canada) and Jalen Green, Hawks wing Daivien “Daikwoon” Blouden, Timberwolves forward Rashear Fleming, Dominican Warriors player Kobe Brea, and a future draft pick.

Additionally, Houston receives a cash payment and a draft pick swap in 2031 with the Suns. Brooklyn secures two future second-round draft picks in exchange for sending rookie Eddi Tiero to the Lakers.

The Warriors land Australian Alex Toohey, who was selected 52nd in last month’s draft, along with wing player Jahmai Mashack, who was recently drafted as well.

Minnesota receives two future draft picks from the Suns and Australian center Rocco Zikarsky, selected 45th overall, from the Lakers.

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