The NZ Breakers will get their chance to face Steven Adams' Oklahoma City Thunder in a highly anticipated pre-season clash in October.
The match-up will be one of two NBA teams the Breakers play as part of the NBA-ANBL crossover series that has run for the past two seasons.
On Thursday, the ANBL announced the Breakers would face the Thunder on October 11 (NZT) at Chesapeake Energy Arena, preceded by a clash against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 9.
But the match-up against the Thunder will provide the juicer headlines, as it could see Adams face New Zealand's premier basketball franchise for the first time.
But all that depends on whether Adams is traded away before the game, as the 25-year-old Kiwi is reportedly on the block, as the Thunder look to clear his US$25m salary off their payroll.
NZ Breakers owner Matt Walsh hopes Adams isn't traded away,
"I jokingly sent the front office of OKC a text, telling them they're not allowed to trade Steven Adams at least until after our game," said Walsh.
"I know that they really value Steven and I still think it's a long shot that he's going to be traded, but there's nothing we can do there. Even if he does, we'll still be playing against Russell Westbrook and Paul George, so it will be an exciting game."
On top of the Kiwi connection, Walsh played under Thunder coach Billy Donovan at the University of Florida between 2002-05.
The Adelaide 36ers and Melbourne United are the other teams from the Australia competition to take part, while the LA Clippers, Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz are the other teams involved from the NBA.
"That this series is now heading into a third consecutive year is a reflection of the strength of the partnership between the NBL and the NBA, and the incredible growth and success of basketball in Australia and New Zealand," ANBL chief executive Jeremy Loeliger said.
"The NBL is now one of the premier basketball leagues in the world, outside the NBA, and we can't wait for October."
The matches will be the first chance for Breakers fans to see top American recruit RJ Hampton in action, with the young guard a projected lottery pick in the 2020 NBA draft.
Last year, the Breakers faced the Phoenix Suns in a thrilling clash, but fell short 91-86, despite Corey Webster leading all scorers with 27 points.
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