Steven Adams is officially on the move to New Orleans Pelicans, after the OKC Thunder confirmed his departure from the franchise as part of a four-team blockbuster deal.
The Thunder have paid tribute to Adams, who has spent his entire seven-year career in Oklahoma City.
The franchise drafted him with the 12th pick in 2013 and he played 530 regular season games, along with 59 playoff appearances, averaging 9.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game during his stay.
"Steven Adams will hold a special place in our organisational legacy," says Thunder general manager Sam Presti. "On and off the floor, Steven contributed to our teams and community in unique ways, and his place in Thunder history is secured."
Adams had one year left on his current four-year, US$100m (NZ$143m) contract with the Thunder, but ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski reports his new team have already signed him to a two-year US$35m (NZ$50m) that will see him through to the end of 2023.
Along with Adams, the Pelicans will receive Eric Bledsoe and two future first round draft picks from Milwaukee Bucks.
The Thunder receive George Hill from the Bucks, along with Josh Gray, Kenrich Williams, Zylan Cheatham and Darius Miller from the Pelicans, and a future first-round pick and second-round picks from Denver Nuggets.
The Bucks receive Jrue Holiday and Sam Merrill from the Pelicans, with the Nuggets claiming former NZ Breakers guard RJ Hampton from Milwaukee.
Adams' departure from Oklahoma City will see him 10th all-time in games played for the franchise, second in offensive rebounds, seventh in total rebounds, fifth in blocks and first in field goal percentage.
At the Pelicans, Adams will team up with No.1 draft pick Zion Williamson, Lonzo Ball - whose brother LaMelo played with Illawarra Hawks last season - and sharpshooter JJ Redick, one of the NBA's best three-point exponents.
He will be the second Kiwi to play with New Orleans, after Sean Marks played 79 games for the then-Hornets between 2008-10.
