Kevin Durant being traded to Rockets
record to be the first 7-team trade
The Houston Rockets announced Sunday that they reached a deal with Phoenix Suns, which include a record-breaking number of seven teams! The trade establishes in June, yet to finalize. According to Fred Katz, this trade currently incorporates, “the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves.”
The Athletic reported that a potential record-setting deal was discussed on Wednesday. They have decided to consolidate the previous trades, the Durant’s trade included, into a mega deal. Six players will be changing teams in the new NBA season.
Being at the center of this trade, Durant feels excited for the deal to conclude and said on X when the trade was announced on Sunday.“My time in Phoenix has come to an end. All these stops along the journey have really impacted me in a positive way, I appreciate all the quick interaction with everybody from support staff to teammates distant cousins, it’s all a family that I’m grateful to be apart of , no matter what. I truly believe this nba is a one big community. Much love to Arizona. Houston, Can’t Wait! (sic)”
Rockets coach Ime Udoka says, “Having played against Kevin and coached him before, I know he’s the type of competitor who fits what we’ve been building here in Houston,” Udoka can simply not hold back his complement. “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.” Just like Durant, Udoka is also very positive toward this trade.
Even though everyone seemed positive and excited about this trade, because of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, teams have to wait until at least July 6 for the trade to be official, even if they agreed on details for the trades earlier.
The largest number of franchises to participate in the same deal before the Durant trade were six from last summer when Klay Thompson went from the Warriors to the Dallas Mavericks. Taken over by the year after, which is shows that the NBA are both capable and will be growing to be better.