Kevin Durant confirmed his move at a media event in New York on Sunday Two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant will join the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster move from the Phoenix Suns. The 36-year-old forward will join the Rockets at the start of July in a deal involving eight other players. In exchange, guard Jalen Green and small forward Dillon Brooks will move to Phoenix - who will also gain the 10th pick in Wednesday's NBA Draft and five future second-round picks, according to reports in US media. Speaking at a media event in New York on Sunday Durant told reporter Kay Adams: "Being part of the Houston Rockets, I'm looking forward to it. "Crazy, crazy last couple weeks, but I'm glad it's over with. "They had a great season last year. Love their leadership. I felt like I'd be a good addition." Durant is a four-time Olympic champion with the United States and was the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 2014. Last season the Suns could only finish 11th in the Western Conference, with Durant averaging 26.6 points, six rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocked shots a game. The Rockets finished second in the Western Conference but were knocked out of the play-offs in the first round. They are coached by Ime Udoka, who signed a long-term deal last week to remain as Houston's coach. Durant and Udoka previously worked together with the Brooklyn Nets and on the US Olympic squad. Durant is the seventh highest-scoring player in NBA history and won his two NBA titles with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, taking the NBA Finals MVP award on both occasions.
NBA star Durant to join Rockets in blockbuster trade
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Kevin Durant Joins Houston Rockets in Major Trade from Phoenix Suns"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Kevin Durant has officially announced his transition to the Houston Rockets, marking a significant shift in his career. The two-time NBA champion, who previously played for the Phoenix Suns, confirmed the move during a media event in New York. This trade is notable as it involves a total of nine players, with Durant set to join the Rockets at the beginning of July. In return, the Suns will receive guard Jalen Green and small forward Dillon Brooks, along with the 10th pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and five future second-round picks. Durant expressed his excitement about joining the Rockets, stating that he looks forward to contributing to a team that had a strong season last year and appreciates the leadership within the organization. He remarked on the tumultuous nature of recent weeks but conveyed relief that the situation has reached a resolution.
Durant's move to the Rockets comes after a challenging season with the Suns, who finished 11th in the Western Conference despite Durant's impressive individual performance, averaging 26.6 points, six rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game. The Rockets, on the other hand, finished second in the Western Conference but faced an early exit in the playoffs. Coach Ime Udoka, who recently signed a long-term contract, will be at the helm of the team. Notably, Durant and Udoka have a history of working together, having collaborated during their time with the Brooklyn Nets and the US Olympic team. With Durant now among their ranks, the Rockets are poised to strengthen their roster and aim for a deeper playoff run in the upcoming season, leveraging Durant's extensive experience and scoring prowess, which has made him the seventh highest scorer in NBA history and a two-time NBA Finals MVP.
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