Kiwi Steven Adams has spoken out for the first time since being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, thanking the OKC Thunder for giving him a chance to play in the NBA.
After seven seasons with the Thunder, Adams was officially traded to New Orleans on Wednesday (NZ time) as part of a four-team blockbuster deal.
Adams hasn't wasted any time with his new franchise, after reportedly agreeing to a two-year contract extension, reportedly worth US$35 million (NZ$50.16m).
The 27-year-old had one year remaining on his four-year deal with the Thunder, reportedly worth US$100m (NZ$143.3m).
In a social media post, Adams paid tribute to the Thunder, where he's spent his entire career and faced many highs and lows along the way.
"Cheers to Oklahoma City, thanks for taking me in seven years ago," Adams tweeted. "You guys have been awesome!"
"I doff my hat to you for your hospitality. Always a pleasure, never a chore."
His post received plenty of comments from Thunder fans, who say they will miss the Kiwi.
Adams was drafted with the 12th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft and he went onto play 530 regular-season games, along with 59 playoff appearances, averaging 9.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game during his stay.
His move to the Pelicans will signal a new era for Adams where he will team up with 2019 No.1 draft pick Zion Williamson and Lonzo Ball - whose brother LaMelo played with Illawarra Hawks last season - while he will work with experienced coach Stan van Gundy.
The next NBA season will begin on December 23.
