NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers and Warriors Involved in Seven-Team Blockbuster Trade That Finalizes Kevin Durant to Rockets

The LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors are among the seven teams involved in the blockbuster Kevin Durant to Houston Rockets trade, which is yet to be completed. The other teams include the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

The initial trade framework reported was around Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, No. 10 pick (Khaman Maluach) and five second-round picks heading to the Suns, with Durant landing in Houston.

However, The Athletic's Fred Katz reported that it's not the entire scenario thus far, with several details still to be finalized. He revealed that the extra moves aren't imminent, but all parties are "ironing" out the details as of Wednesday.

After adding Durant, the Rockets acquired Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith in free agency. Those deals could be sign-and-trades. According to Katz, the Capela move is one, per league sources. Only five players who played last season are being discussed in the trade right now.

The Lakers and Warriors have multiple roster holes to fill, so it's not surprising that they are involved. Both need center and wing depth, and there could be expendable bigs in this deal, including the Rockets' Jock Landale, the Nets' Nicolas Claxton and the Suns' Nick Richards.

The Lakers acquired Deandre Ayton on Wednesday in free agency on an $8.1 million contract but are expected to pursue more centers. The Warriors, meanwhile, have yet to address their need at the five.

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Could Nick Richards be Lakers' next find at center?

The LA Lakers' involvement in the seven-team blockbuster trade could see them land Nick Richards. The Suns have a surplus of bigs on their roster after acquiring Richards' former teammate Mark Williams on draft day from the Hornets and selecting Khaman Maluach with the No. 10 pick. Richards, a rotational-level center, may not have a significant role to play.

The Suns are overpaying at one position, which could lead to them moving on from Richards. LA has been mentioned as a suitor for him, and the latest rumor from Fred Katz aligns with the team's interest in Richards.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported on Tuesday that the Lakers were "monitoring" a multi-team trade that could land them a center, which further increases speculation around Richards joining the Purple and Gold, potentially as Ayton's backup.

The new center tandem would be a massive upgrade for LA's depth at the five. Both fit the description of a lob threat and vertical spacer who can thrive next to a pick-and-roll ball handler like Luka Doncic.

The Lakers' acquiring the two without spending assets or impacting their salary cap would also be a bonus.