Kevin Durant, a two-time NBA champion forward, is set to join the Houston Rockets following a major trade from the Phoenix Suns, confirmed by the player on Sunday.
The deal, which will be finalised when the NBA's new season officially begins in two weeks, sees the 36-year-old move to Houston in exchange for guard Jalen Green, swingman Dillon Brooks, the 10th pick in Wednesday's NBA Draft, and five future second-round draft picks, according to reports citing anonymous sources.
The move brings Durant, a four-time Olympic gold medallist and 2014 NBA MVP, to a rising Rockets team led by coach Ime Udoka.
Houston, who finished second in the Western Conference behind Oklahoma City with a 52-30 record last season, will now count on Durant's experience and star power as they aim to become serious contenders.
Durant was on stage at Fanatics Fest in New York when news of the trade broke. Speaking to reporter Kay Adams, he expressed his relief that the deal was done. "Being part of the Houston Rockets, I'm looking forward to it," he said. "It's been a crazy couple of weeks, but I'm glad it's over."