Durant officially joins Nets, Russell to Golden State
LAS VEGAS >> The deal bringing Kevin Durant to Brooklyn is official, and he’s changing his number along with his address.
The Nets completed a sign-and-trade with the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night, with Brooklyn landing Durant and a protected first-round pick in next year’s draft for D’Angelo Russell, Shabazz Napier and Treveon Graham.
Durant said last week he would sign a max deal with Brooklyn, which would be $141 million over four years, after three seasons with the Warriors.
The rest of the deal was worked out over subsequent days, and the NBA signed off on the terms Sunday.
“Along with the rest of the league, our coaching staff has long admired Kevin’s incredible skill, resilience and tenacity,” Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said. “He has already established himself as a champion and one of the best players of alltime, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him into our program in Brooklyn.”
Durant isn’t expected to play at all next season while he recovers from an Achilles injury. When he does return to join a new-look Nets team that added Kyrie Irving as well this summer and officially signed him Sunday, he’ll wear No. 7 — after playing in No. 35 throughout his career.
Durant released a statement saying he wore 35 to honor someone “very near and dear” to him.
Nuggets acquire Grant from Thunder
DENVER >> Two people familiar with the situation say the Oklahoma City Thunder have traded forward Jerami Grant to the Denver Nuggets for a 2020 first-round draft pick.
The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the trade hasn’t been approved by league officials. ESPN first reported the deal.
It’s another first-round selection for the Thunder, who are in line for at least four more assuming the blockbuster deal that sends Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers goes through.
Kings coach Walton says sex assault claim lacks facts
LOS ANGELES >> Sacramento Kings coach Luke Walton says sexual assault allegations against him are not backed up by facts and are designed to attract media attention.
Walton made his comments in a court brief filed Wednesday in response to a lawsuit by sportscaster Kelli Tennant.
She has said Walton attacked her in 2014 when he was an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, but she was too afraid to file charges.
Tennant says Walton pinned her to a bed, forcibly kissed her and laughed when she asked him to get off her.