Lakers' Return in Historic Kevin Durant 7-Team Trade Revealed
In what was the biggest move of the summer, the Phoenix Suns traded two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets.
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While it's viewed as a done trade, it isn't technically official until July 6, which is when the new league year begins. As the days have passed, it has been revealed that five other teams were involved in making the trade possible.
The other teams that helped facilitate the move are the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers.
While this will go down as a historical trade because it featured a record seven teams, no other star players will land on the other teams involved.
According to NBA insider Dan Woike, this move is primarily centered on salary cap considerations. In terms of what the Lakers received for being part of this trade, Woike confirmed that their contribution was making a move in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft to select Arkansas' Adou Thiero.
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"Sounds like the Lakers involvement in the NBA mega-trade is their draft night move to go get Adou Thiero so you shouldn't expect any compensation to be headed their way," wrote Woike.
The Los Angeles Lakers were reportedly part of the 7-team trade that centered around Kevin Durant. Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
As confirmed by the Los Angeles Times, to select the former Arkansas and Kentucky standout, the Lakers traded pick No. 55 and $2.5 million in cash to the Chicago Bulls for pick No. 45.
The Lakers then sent the No. 45 pick and cash considerations to the Timberwolves, giving them the rights to Thiero, who was originally picked by the Brooklyn Nets.
While this may not be the blockbuster addition Lakers fans have been calling for, Thiero is a hyper-athletic and lengthy forward that should vie for early minutes.
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Related: Bronny James Breaks Silence on the Change in His Physical Appearance
Related: Nuggets Dealt Devastating Trade News on Thursday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
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